Manufacturing Skill Standards Council modules to equal college credit

Efforts to attract younger workers to manufacturing and industrial fields have taken another step forward with the recent announcement from the The National College Credit Recommendation Service. NCCRS has recommended that postsecondary educational institutions award college credit to individuals who complete the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) modules and pass the MSSC assessments. NCCRS recommends that three credit hours be awarded to individuals for each of the four Certified Product Technician (CPT) modules, two credit hours for the Green Production Module (GPM) and four credit hours for the two Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) modules.

“The NCCRS recommendation is a significant step towards changing the lingering perception held by most with regards to manufacturing being a place for unskilled labor. Dark, dirty, dangerous is still the view held by many when thinking about the manufacturing and logistics sectors putting them at a huge disadvantage when it comes to attracting young people and new workers,” says Leo Reddy, MSSC CEO. “This alternative credit pathway will benefit students, employers and communities by expanding postsecondary opportunities for returning service members, dislocated and emerging workers, career and technical education students, and many others, which will ultimately create important dividends for the U.S. economy.”

MSSC has issued over 40,000 training modules and 34,000 credentials to students and workers in manufacturing and logistics since 2006. MSSC credentialing programs are located at almost 300 assessment centers in 36 states. The CPT program includes modules for Safety, Quality Practices and Measurement, Manufacturing Processes and Production, and Maintenance Awareness. GPM was added to CPT in 2011 and is a standalone certificate. The CLT program includes entry-level Certified Logistics Associate and full CLT modules.

“The Manufacturing Institute is committed to helping build the educated and skilled workforce that our nation’s manufacturers need to stay competitive in this global market,” said Jennifer McNelly, president of The Manufacturing Institute. “Students that achieve MSSC certifications have the core technical skills needed to be successful front-line workers in manufacturing and logistics. MSSC is an essential part of the NAM-Endorsed Skills Certification System - the national flagship initiative to address the skills gap crisis facing U.S. manufacturers. The Manufacturing Institute supports this NCCRS recommendation to award college credit for the MSSC modules. This action will help students more quickly acquire the education they need to enter into and advance in manufacturing careers.”