Tooling U-SME and NIMS Partner to Integrate Training Content and Credentialing

CLEVELAND, Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tooling U-SME, a leading provider of manufacturing training solutions, and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, the manufacturing industry's certifying body of skills standards and credentials for metal forming and machining, today announced a new collaboration that will integrate the training provider's online learning and development resources with the institute's machining level 1 credentials. This new collaboration will enhance the professional development of employees and students, bringing training programs in line with high-demand skills and knowledge in today's manufacturing environment.

"Our new agreement with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills is an extension of a long-standing relationship," said Gretchen Schultz, director of workforce development, Tooling U-SME. "We have supported the NIMS standards for more than 10 years, and are pleased we can further collaborate to bring more training and credentialing opportunities to the manufacturing workforce."

The collaboration between Tooling U-SME and NIMS is an essential step to helping increase the number of skilled metal workers and machinists, while impacting the critical skills gap in America. Tooling U-SME's online training classes map to the NIMS certification standards, which creates a streamlined process for upskilling the manufacturing workforce.

"The machinist curriculum offered by Tooling U-SME will directly align with NIMS standards, a critical factor for developing a skilled workforce," said Montez King, executive director, NIMS. "We are pleased to continue our partnership with Tooling U-SME."

In 2016, more than 391,000 machinists were employed by the manufacturing industry in America. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to grow six percent from 2014 to 2024. The best job opportunities will go to workers familiar with computer software applications and those who can perform multiple tasks in a machine shop.

Tooling U-SME's "Industry Pulse ? 2016 Manufacturing Industry Update" found that CNC machinists will be one of the most in demand jobs over the next four years, at 77 percent.

Tooling U-SME is proud to partner with educational institutions to build holistic workforce learning and development solutions that align to national certification programs. A good example of this programming in action is its work with Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Connecticut, which awarded 148 NIMS certifications to students this year. 

"Area employers view this (NIMS) certification as a differentiator. It gives Naugatuck Valley Community College students a competitive advantage when applying for jobs with manufacturing companies," says Joseph DeFeo, program director, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, Naugatuck Valley Community College. "Due to the strength of our Danbury Incumbent Worker certificate program, where most students are obtaining NIMS credentials, the numbers are increasing."

To learn more about how Tooling U-SME helps develop the workforce through training and certifications, email [email protected] or call 866.706.8665.

About Tooling U-SME
Tooling U-SME delivers versatile, competency-based learning and development solutions to the manufacturing community, working with more than half of all Fortune 500® manufacturing companies, as well as 600 educational institutions across the country. Tooling U-SME partners with customers to build high performers who help their companies drive quality, productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Working directly with hundreds of high schools, community colleges, and universities, Tooling U-SME is also able to help prepare the next generation workforce by providing industry-driven curriculum. A division of SME, an organization that connects people to manufacturing solutions, Tooling U-SME can be found at toolingu.com, facebook.com/toolingu or follow @ToolingU on Twitter.

About NIMS
The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is the developer of quality competency based skills standards and credentials for jobs in manufacturing and related industries. These efforts allow NIMS to empower organizations and individuals through workforce skills standards and credentials to build a thriving and globally competitive manufacturing industry. Visit nimsready.org to learn more.

SOURCE Tooling U-SME