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CCCC named charter member of Manufacturing Institute's M-List

06.04.2013 • College General

SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College has been selected by The Manufacturing Institute as a charter member of the organization's "M-List." The list recognizes institutions of higher education nationwide that offer manufacturing training programs that meet the Institute's standard of excellence.

The Manufacturing Institute is the 501(c)3, non-partisan affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. The Institute, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the leading research, education, workforce, and services group supporting U.S. manufacturers.

Only 39 institutions in 16 states nationwide made the charter member list, with most states having only one school that met the requirements. To make the list, schools must train students to meet industry workforce skill standards. They must also offer students the opportunity to earn National Association of Manufacturers-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certifications as a standard part of their manufacturing education programs. In addition, the institution must provide a for-credit pathway to more certifications and other academic credentials. CCCC meets all of these requirements.

"We know that our programs that lead to careers in manufacturing are excellent," said Dr. Bud Marchant, CCCC president. "Now, that confidence is validated by the organization whose whole purpose is to promote quality manufacturing and manufacturing education in the United States."

CCCC received charter membership on the M-List specifically by having its Computer Integrated Machining program accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). CCCC's machining program has an emphasis in Tool, Die and Mold Making and requires its students to take the NIMS "Measurements, Materials & Safety" and "Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout" certification tests. Successful completion of these tests provides students with nationally recognized industry credentials in machining. Students prepare for the certifications at CCCC through studies that include hands-on performance and theory tests.

The Manufacturing Institute also noted on its web site that educators in the field of manufacturing must have strong representative employer networks in their region, as evidenced by having active curriculum advisory committees, as well as agreements on internships and job placements. CCCC's vocational programs make a point of developing relationships with employers in the college's service area of Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties. Company representatives sit on advisory boards to provide input on what skills and qualities industry needs in its workers.

"It is always good when outside agencies are able to look at our technical programs and certify that what we are teaching our students meets and/or exceeds industry standards," said Dr. Stephen Athans, CCCC dean of Vocational and Technical Programs. "Because we have made the effort to get our machining instructors and program NIMS-accredited, the Manufacturing Institute has endorsed us and recognizes Central Carolina Community College as achieving its standard of excellence."

On its website, the Manufacturing Institute noted that 600,000 jobs in manufacturing in the United States are unfilled today because employers can't find workers with the right skills. Eighty-two percent of manufacturers report a moderate or serious shortage in skilled production workers and 75 percent say the skill shortage has negatively impacted their ability to expand.

To help close the growing skills gap, the Manufacturing Institute launched the NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System. This system of nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials validates both the "book smarts" and the "street smarts" needed to be productive and successful on the job, according to the web site.

For the full list of schools and programs selected for The Manufacturing Institute's M-List, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/Skills-Certification/M-List/M-List.aspx. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's manufacturing training and other programs, visit www.cccc.edu/curriculum.

CCCC named charter member of Manufacturing Institute's M-List

A Central Carolina Community College machining student operates a manual mill with electronic read-out during a class in Computer Integrated Machining. For the quality of its Machining program, CCCC has been recognized by The Manufacturing Institute as a charter member of its 'M-List.' Only 39 institutions of higher learning nationwide made the list, recognizing that they train students to meet National Association of Manufacturers-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certifications as a standard part of their manufacturing education programs. For more information about Central Carolina Community College's manufacturing training and other programs, visit www.cccc.edu/curriculum.