NIMS to expand competency-based apprenticeships

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), Washington, D.C., has announced a commitment to help equip the nation’s front-line precision manufacturing workforce with the skills they need to advance their careers. NIMS will work with employers, education providers, workforce development organizations, and other stakeholders to expand competency-based apprenticeships in which students and workers can gain the skills, experience, and credentials they need for success in in-demand jobs.

As part of the commitment, NIMS will develop and disseminate an apprenticeship blueprint to help companies expedite implementation of customized apprenticeships that meet their talent needs. NIMS also will set a goal to issue 1,000 industry-recognized credentials to individuals in apprenticeship programs. Through outreach to stakeholders, NIMS will provide a package of tools, resources, and technical assistance to support stakeholder efforts to establish or expand their use of apprenticeships.

The White House highlighted the commitment as part of its Upskill Summit on April 24, which gathered 150 employers, labor leaders, foundations, nonprofits, educators, and tech innovators from across the U.S. who are focused on equipping workers of all ages with the skills they need to advance in their careers.

The apprenticeships will help companies:

• Recruit and advance skilled individuals to the precision manufacturing industries by offering opportunities to work and learn.
• Prepare the next generation of employees by providing a strong foundation of skills.
• Ensure workers have the right skills, meeting industrywide and company-specific standards and requirements.
• Build a customized on-the-job training program that leverages national industry-recognized credentials.