Posted By Administration, Friday, February 8, 2019
Industry credentials can help solve DRMA manufacturer members’ skills gap challenges because they ensure that the credential holder has met the industry benchmark for their specific occupational competency. Industry credentials offer your company several benefits, including: more job-ready candidates; shorter training time for employees; improved safety and quality; reduced turnover; and increased productivity.
There are a number of manufacturing related industry credentials out there. The most common ones, and the ones that DRMA and local high schools and community colleges are working on, are produced by the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
MSSC’s Certified Production Technician (CPT) program recognizes individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of manufacturing production at the front-line (entry-level through front-line supervisor) through the successful completion of the certification assessments. The goal of the CPT certification program is to raise the level of performance of production workers both to assist the individuals in finding higher-wage jobs and to help employers ensure their workforce increases the company’s productivity and competitiveness.
The CPT program consists of five individual certificate modules: Safety; Quality Practices & Measurement; Manufacturing Processes & Production; and Maintenance Awareness. Candidates must earn the all four certificates to receive the full CPT certification. An optional fifth module is available on Green Production. Individuals demonstrate their understanding of the core skills and knowledge through assessments based upon MSSC's industry-defined, nationally validated skill standards. You can learn more about the Certified Production Technician certification here.
NIMS sets industry skills standards earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel nationwide. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals secure a competitive edge when applying for jobs because they have demonstrated that their skills meet the industry established standards.
NIMS offers credentials in numerous industry occupation tracks; however, the two that most closely align with the needs of DRMA members are Machining and Industrial Technology Maintenance. Each track is comprised of stackable credentials that are achieved via successful completion of individual theory and/or performance assessments.
Some NIMS Machining stackable credentials include:
Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout
Measurement, Materials & Safety
CNC Lathe Operations
CNC Lathe Programming Setup & Operations
Some NIMS Industrial Technology Maintenance stackable credentials include:
Basic Hydraulic Systems
Basic Mechanical Systems
Maintenance Operations
Process Control Systems
You can learn more about NIMS credentials here.
DRMA is working with educators across the region to incorporate industry credentials into their curriculum. Soon, graduates possessing these credentials will be ready for hire.
Stay tuned for more information about the value of industry credentials.
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