FMA, NAM partner to achieve goal of 500,000 industry certifications

The Manufacturing Institute and its partners in the Skills Certification System, including the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA), Rockford, Ill., have announced significant progress toward achieving a five-year goal to award 500,000 industry-based certifications to individuals. Over the past year the certification partners have issued 117,189 certifications, an increase of more than 30 percent, bringing the total to 294,478 certifications issued since 2011.

Increasingly, companies report they cannot find individuals with the skills required for today's advanced manufacturing workplaces. These skill shortages pervade all stages of manufacturing — from engineering to skilled production. The Institute continues to work with high schools, community and technical colleges, and employers to create education and training programs aligned to industry-based standards to establish an effective and critical talent pipeline.

The Manufacturing Institute launched the Skills Certification System to address the skills gap challenge and to promote a renaissance of manufacturing education across the country. The Skills Certification System is designed by and for industry, and endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers.

For more information, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/skills-certification/skills-certification-system.aspx.