The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) will introduce two leadership development programs for early-career professionals in 2026 aimed at addressing workforce gaps in the food production and manufacturing sectors. The initiatives—the Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab conference and the FPSA Emerging Leaders Program—are designed to strengthen leadership capabilities among early-career professionals.

According to FPSA’s Trends in U.S. Workforce Gap and Solutions study, 75 percent of fabricators and 64 percent of service technicians lack leadership skills at the time of hire or promotion. Despite this gap, only 48 percent of companies currently offer formal leadership training programs. The findings highlight the need for targeted workforce development strategies.

FPSA's workforce study also revealed that while 75 percent of companies identified "lack of awareness of company career pathways" as a moderate or significant recruitment challenge, only 64 percent are actively outlining clear career pathways to job candidates. This gap underscores the need for both internal leadership development and external demonstration of advancement opportunities to attract and retain top talent.

FSPA’s programs aim to close these gaps by providing clear development paths and data-driven strategies to strengthen workforce pipelines. Companies interested in learning more about or registering participants for the Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab or FSPA Emerging Leaders Program can contact the FPSA Education Team at info@fpsa.org. Registration details will be announced in early 2026.

Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab

Launching in winter 2026, Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab is a two-day interactive conference that will focus on foundational leadership skills through hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and practical application tailored to food production and manufacturing environments. Specific dates and location will be announced in the future.

FPSA Emerging Leaders Program

Scheduled for spring 2026, the FPSA Emerging Leaders Program is a four-month, cohort-based program that will emphasize strategic thinking, communication, and industry-specific leadership competencies. Participants will gain tools and networking opportunities to advance their careers and contribute to organizational success. Scholarship opportunities will be available.