BIRMINGHAM – Gov. Kay Ivey, while speaking at the Southern Automotive Conference Friday, announced that the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), through a partnership with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC), will be offering nationally-recognized and industry-led credentials at every college this spring. This rollout makes Alabama the first state in the nation to offer the MSSC credentials statewide.
“We are once again proving Alabama is a leader in the automotive industry by offering these credentials in all of our two-year colleges,” Ivey said. “It’s only fitting that this announcement comes on Manufacturing Day. Alabama is committed to providing a 21st Century workforce that is prepared for 21st Century manufacturing like that found in this growing auto industry.”
"These are nationally recognized credentials, which continue to grow in prestige. We are excited about this partnership with MSSC and are already offering this training this fall semester to our current students, providing additional stackable credentials as part of their programs, and making them even more marketable to employers,” said Wallace State Community College President, Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
The MSSC is an industry-led, and federally recognized training, assessment and certification system focused on the skills and knowledge needed by today’s manufacturing workforce. Through a partnership with the Alabama Community College System and MSSC, Alabama students will now have the ability to be certified as a Certified Production Technician (CPT) or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) through the completion of approved coursework and training.
Courses can be offered for credit as part of a degree program or as a non-credit offering. Additionally, the courses will be available to high school students participating in dual enrollment across the state.
Students who complete the certifications will be educated in manufacturing processes and production, safety, quality, and maintenance among other important subject areas needed for success in the technology-intensive industry. Implementing these certification programs will not only increase Alabama’s pipeline of skilled workers it will also reduce the need for companies to provide on-the-job remedial training.
“Manufacturing is more technology-driven than ever before and we’re excited to partner with MSSC to ensure that Alabama students are receiving the certifications and trainings they need to fill the high-tech, high-demand manufacturing jobs of the future,” Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker said. “The Alabama Community College System is constantly seeking out new opportunities for Alabama students to create a better future whether it’s transferring to a four-year institution, training for a career, or learning basic literacy and workforce skills. Our partnership with MSSC provides yet another pathway for our students to succeed.”
The nationwide MSSC System offers both entry-level and incumbent workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly needed in today’s manufacturing jobs. The CPT and CLT certificates are both accredited under ANSI-ISO 17024 (Personnel Certification) making it the only national certification body globally with this designation for manufacturing and logistics.
“MSSC congratulates the state of Alabama and the Alabama Community College System on its decision to roll out our CPT and CLT training and certification systems statewide,” MSSC Chairman and CEO Leo Reddy said. “An industry-led non-profit, MSSC is the national leader in preparing individuals with the skills needed for front-line jobs in today’s ever-changing, technology-driven advanced manufacturing and distribution-logistics industries. Since our certifications are based on industry standards, MSSC certificate recipients enjoy prompt job placement and higher wages.”
For additional information on the MSSC credentials visit www.almssc.com.
Image: Wallace State Community College / Aerial Envision
