Focused on Skills Standards for Modern Manufacturing Careers
RICHMOND, VA – The Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) and Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) announced today that the Manufacturing Technician 1© (MT1) Certification has been added to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)-endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System. The Skills Certification System was established by The Manufacturing Institute (MI), an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), to contribute to the development of the nation’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-capable workforce for advanced manufacturing by recognizing world-class, industry-endorsed credentials.
“Manufacturers’ business success is tied directly to the innovation capacity of their skilled workforce,” said Jennifer McNelly, president, The Manufacturing Institute. “The Skills Certification System helps address the skills gap directly affecting the talent pipeline for manufacturers. MSI and VMA have taken on these challenges, and we are pleased to welcome them as a new partner in our efforts to address the shortage of skilled workers in the United States.”
The MT1 Certification is a portable, stackable industry credential that demonstrates to employers anywhere in the world that an individual has an understanding of modern manufacturing and has attained mastery in the following core competency areas certified: (1) Math and Measurement, (2) Spatial Reasoning and Manufacturing Technology, and (3) Business Acumen and Quality. The MT1 credential is third-party validated and documents core industry-wide skills standards required for skilled production occupations in all sectors of manufacturing using the following twelve critical technical skills areas: Algebra; Measurement; Math for Quality; Statistical Process Controls; Spatial Reasoning; Mechanics; Fluid Power and Thermodynamics; Electricity; Chemistry; Manufacturing Processes and Controls; Quality and Lean Manufacturing; and, Financial Literacy and Business Acumen. Individuals obtaining the MT1 Certification may apply for advanced standing credit in selected degree programs at ECPI University to receive up to six (6) college credits. ECPI advanced standing credit may be used to establish transfer credits to other accredited 2 year and 4 year colleges and universities.
“The manufacturing sector will need an estimated 30,000 new employees over the next few years due to retirements alone. The current skills gaps will only get exacerbated unless we have a qualified pipeline of technicians ready for employment. We are incredibly honored to have the recognition of NAM and MI in the national system. The MT1 is the only credential of its kind in the system, and it is an honor to be one of only 15 nationally-recognized certifying organizations as a part of this system. We are grateful to NAM and MI for their national leadership and opportunity to collaborate” said Brett Vassey, President & CEO.
The MSI eLearning Network is the MT1 Certification program delivery system, using cutting-edge technology to provide access to MT1 assessment and training resources. The MT1 program has been available in the commercial marketplace since 2011, having awarded more than 400 credentials after assessing more than 1,200 incumbent, emerging and transitioning manufacturing workers. The MT1 certification is included on the Virginia Board of Education Approved Industry Certifications, Occupational Competency Assessments, and Licensure List. In addition, the MT1 certification program serves as the core program element for transitioning military veterans into manufacturing careers (Military2Manufacturing) offered through the MSI.
About the MI: The Manufacturing Institute is the 501 (c) 3 affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. It focuses on developing human capital strategies through education reform and workforce development, conducting applied research to provide critical information to public policy makers on challenges and opportunities for today’s industry, and advancing the innovation capacity of manufacturers operating in a global market.
About the MSI: The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) founded the Manufacturing Skills Institute™ (MSI) in 2012. The MSI provides relevant education and skills training for careers in advanced manufacturing by offering world-class training programs delivered by MSI and MSI education partner institutions. Through the partnership between industry and education, employers set the skill standards for MSI program offerings anywhere offered to ensure learning is linked to employment and career advancement opportunities. Employer-specific customized training can be provided onsite or at any MSI education partner location. Working learners advance their manufacturing technology knowledge and skills via OJT classes, classroom-based and online training offered by MSI and education partner faculty grounded in real word experience.
About the VMA: The Virginia Manufacturers Association is the only statewide association exclusively dedicated to manufacturers and their network of service providers. Since 1922, the VMA has exclusively served as Industry’s Advocate™, and our mission is to create the best business environment in the United States for world-class advanced technology businesses to manufacture and headquarter their businesses for maximum productivity and profitability. The VMA also supports a broad array of business services and programs to help ensure that manufacturing companies can be productive, profitable and competitive in Virginia. Virginia’s more than 6,000 manufacturers employ more than 220,000 individuals, contribute $34 billion to the gross state product and account for more than 80 percent of the state’s exports to the global economy.