HANOVER, MD, June 22, 2026 – Phillips Corporation has launched Phillips Workforce to train maintenance and mechatronics technicians for manufacturing environments. The programs focus on hands-on instruction in industrial systems, automation, controls, and maintenance practices.
Phillips Workforce division is intended to help industrial employers address technical workforce shortages, reduce equipment downtime, and improve operational readiness. The launch comes as an estimated 1.9 million manufacturing jobs are projected to go unfilled by 2033.
“Hampton Roads has long served as a maritime center of gravity, and the workforce executing the mission there stands as national security infrastructure,” said Whitney Jones, former deputy program manager for the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB). “Leaning forward to meet that call to action, Phillips has worked alongside Norfolk Naval Shipyard to demonstrate the impact of accelerated, highly trained, and cross-disciplinary maintenance technicians as a force multiplier for the defense industrial base. Phillips Workforce is positioned to scale that proof point into a national program, building off of the great work with the Hampton Roads ecosystem.”
“Manufacturers can’t afford to wait years to develop the technical talent required to support increasingly complex production systems,” said Brad Adams, president of Phillips Education. “Phillips Workforce was built to help employers develop job-ready maintenance and mechatronics technicians in weeks through immersive, hands-on training that delivers capability where it’s needed most – on the shop floor.”
Built on Phillips Education, Phillips Workforce provides training in electrical controls, PLCs, robotics, automation, fluid power, mechanical systems, machining fundamentals, and maintenance practices.
The organization was a founding partner of Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM), a Department of Defense-backed workforce initiative that has trained more than 1,000 graduates who have entered the Defense Industrial Base. Phillips said its work with ATDM showed how hands-on training can support manufacturing workforce needs.
Phillips Workforce applies a similar employer-aligned model to industrial maintenance and mechatronics training. The program is equipment-agnostic, with about 80% of instruction delivered on production-grade equipment to prepare graduates for industrial settings.
The training includes 18 modular courses. Employers can use pre-designed pathways or customize learning pathways for new hires, technicians, troubleshooting specialists, and workforce pipeline development. Delivery options are designed to align training with operational goals, staffing, and production schedules. Phillips also plans to add a Digital Learning Hub to support learning and workforce development in practical scenarios.
Source: Phillips Corporation
About Phillips Corporation
Phillips Corp., established in 1961 and headquartered in Hanover, MD, is a privately held company specializing in manufacturing solutions. The company offers a range of services, including CNC machine tools, additive manufacturing, machine tool service, manufacturing applications engineering, robotics, training, and education. With a global presence, Phillips Corporation serves various industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and education. It operates through multiple divisions, including the Commercial Division in the United States and Phillips Machine Tools in India. As of 2025, the company employs approximately 375 individuals worldwide and reports an estimated annual revenue of $75 million. Phillips Corporation has maintained a longstanding partnership with Haas Automation, serving as a Haas Factory Outlet for over 30 years. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its collaborations with technology leaders and its involvement in public-private partnerships, including initiatives with the U.S. Department of Defense to advance additive manufacturing capabilities.