Tidewater Community College Will Expand Program to Veterans
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) announced today that Tidewater Community College (TCC) received approval from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to use G.I. Bill funding for the MSI Manufacturing Technician 1 (MT1) certificate program. The MT1 has also been approved as a training solution for use by Workforce Investment Boards across Virginia for veterans wishing to enter into the high wage/ high demand sector of manufacturing and into advanced technology careers. Funding approval for the MT1 increases access to industry certifications for veterans and transitioning military, with the goal of rapid re-employment.
The TCC Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE), in partnership with the MSI, held the Veterans Training and Employment Network (VTEN) Manufacturing Symposium today to introduce the MT1 assessment, training and certification program to veterans, transitioning military, dependents and company representatives. Participants discussed the career benefits of the manufacturing sector and excellent opportunities for veterans and their dependents to translate military experience and course studies into the high wage / high demand advanced technology careers. The event also provided an opportunity for employers to talk with veterans about current employment opportunities.
“Military2Manufacturing, using the MT1 certificate program, helps recently separated veterans to convert past military experience and training into industry-recognized credentials. TCC’s leadership, through the CMVE, will help to increase the manufacturing capacity in communities throughout the Virginia by qualifying our transitioning military workforce for careers in advanced technology industries, such as manufacturing,” said MSI Executive Director Katherine DeRosear.
The initial focus of the partnership is to integrate the MSI MT1 certificate program into degree pathways and dual enrollment opportunities so that the transitioning military workforce has the 12 critical technical skills that are fundamental to occupations in advanced technology industries. Core competencies certified by the MT1: 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.
Tidewater Community College CMVE is excited to be partnering with the Virginia Manufacturers Association and local industry to develop a long term strategy that recognizes the high level of skill that our veterans have achieved and translates this into satisfying careers that benefit the entire community.
About MSI: The Manufacturing Skills Institute (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 world experience. MSI is an affiliate of the Virginia Manufacturers Association. MSI’s Manufacturing Technician program is part of the National Association of Manufacturers-endorsed Skills Certification System.