National Institute for Metalworking Skills commits to upskill precision manufacturing workforce

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) has announced a commitment to help equip the nation’s front line precision manufacturing workforce with the skills they need to advance in 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 will also 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 today, which gathered 150 employers, labor leaders, foundations, non-profits, educators and tech innovators from across America who are focused on equipping workers of all ages with the skills they need to advance in their careers. NIMS Executive Director, James Wall, and Roderick Jones, NIMS Board member and Senior Advisor, DMG Mori Seiki USA, attended the Summit.

“As manufacturing becomes more complex, technology-driven and innovative, companies, workers, and students need to keep up with evolving industry standards and job requirements so they can get ahead in their careers,” said James Wall, executive director, NIMS. “Our Competency-Based Apprenticeship System helps companies advance front line workers into higher-skilled jobs through high-quality, customized training in which participants earn both national industry certifications and company-specific credentials.”

The NIMS Competency-Based Apprenticeship helps companies:
● Recruit and advance skilled individuals to the precision manufacturing industries by offering opportunities to “work and learn” towards a valuable career
● Prepare the next generation of employees by providing a strong foundation of skills that are critical for them to advance in careers
● Ensure workers have the right skills, meeting industry-wide and company-specific standards and requirements needed for long-term success
● Build a customized training program that leverages national industry-recognized credentials to make on-the-job training more efficient and advanced

Click here for more information about the NIMS Competency-Based Apprenticeship System.