Juliet Stipeche Brings Workforce Systems Perspective to AMPP 2026 Panel

Industry leaders, educators, and workforce professionals gathered in Houston during the AMPP Annual Conference & Expo to address one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: building and sustaining a skilled workforce to support corrosion and materials protection across critical industries.

During the March 17 Workforce Development Panel at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Juliet Stipeche contributed a workforce systems perspective, emphasizing how employers can more effectively engage with existing workforce programs and resources.

Panelists highlighted ongoing challenges, including shortages of corrosion professionals and skilled workers, high attrition rates, and the extensive training and field experience required before new hires reach full productivity. In response, the discussion focused on how workforce programs, funding opportunities, and training partnerships can better support industry needs.

Stipeche emphasized the gap between available workforce resources, including training programs, funding opportunities, and apprenticeship pathways, and employer awareness and utilization of those resources.

The panel also examined barriers to engagement, including limited awareness, administrative complexity, and misalignment between workforce programs and industry needs. Panelists discussed strategies to better connect jobseekers, including veterans, career changers, and young adults, to high-demand career pathways.

This discussion aligns with the launch of TalentForce, an initiative designed to strengthen collaboration among industry, education, and workforce partners to address workforce gaps in corrosion and materials protection.