In a just-released study by The Manufacturing Institute, over 80% of manufacturers report they cannot find people to fill their skilled production jobs. As a result, there are over half-a-million manufacturing jobs open right now. Responding to this talent crisis, and the need to create jobs in this country, The Manufacturing Institute worked with the President’s Jobs Council to tailor the national manufacturing certification system into a nationally replicable fast-track solution to deliver JUST IN TIME TALENT to small manufacturers. This accelerated program allows individuals to earn college credit and national industry certifications in 16 weeks, preparing them for immediate employment in high-quality manufacturing jobs and giving them a solid foundation to advance in higher education and careers. |
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This initiative, called Right Skills Now, is an acceleration of the NAM –Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System, which includes nationally portable, industry-recognized certifications that are combined with for-credit education programs. These education pathways are directly aligned to career pathways in manufacturing, so students progressing through the programs earn college credit towards a degree, a national certification with labor market value, and the hands-on technical experience to be successful on the job from day 1. Right Skills Now fast-tracks and focuses career training in core employability and technical skills by “chunking” relevant curriculum that leads to interim credentials in critical machining skills. While the initial model focuses on machining skills, for which there is immediate demand, the program can accelerate skills development in other foundational skills areas for advanced manufacturing like production or welding. Right Skills Now is now being deployed at two Minnesota colleges, Dunwoody College of Technology and South Central Community College. Other partners include ACT, the certifying body for the National Career Readiness Certificate – the foundational credential in the Skills Certification System – and the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), the certifying body for the series of machining and metalworking credentials in the System. This accelerated program is delivering for employers and individuals the RIGHT SKILLS NOW. | |