Manufacturing is a vital industry to the long-term health and strength of the American economy. To compete on a global scale, our region must create a talent supply chain that is competitive, flexible, and adaptable. During Emily DeRocco's presentation, she will discuss:
• The Institute’s agenda for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness
• The NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System (where it is headed, how it may impact businesses, and its most critical resources “employees”, and why it is important)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND & WHY ATTEND
• EMPLOYERS (Manufacturing CEOs, COOs, HR leaders) (learn how the system will validate that an incoming worker has acquired the right skills to perform to standards)
• EDUCATORS (opportunity to see how system will help lower dropout rates and increase the number of students who are ready for work upon completion of their experience in a post-secondary institution)
• COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADERS (learn how the system will institute the critical linkage between a community’s education system and its employment opportunities)
• WORKERS (opportunity to learn how the system will make high-quality jobs more attainable)
WHAT OTHER STATES ARE DOING
• The Manufacturing Institute has created, and NAM has endorsed, a set of nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials that certify individuals possess the core academic and technical skills needed to work in manufacturing. This stackable system uses the certifications created by ACT, the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, the American Welding Institute, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
• Twenty-three states representing the vast majority of manufacturing in the U.S. are currently taking steps to align the curriculum of high schools, community colleges, and universities to align with these credentials. Thanks to funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Lumina Foundation, five states are now aggressively implementing this system. These include Washington, Texas, North Carolina, and of particular interest Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
• These states will now have a steady supply of entry-level talent with skills certified by national organizations, providing economic development groups with a valuable added benefit to attract, retain, and grow their manufacturing sector.