Manufacturing 2.0
Rock River Valley manufacturing experts discuss the many facets of manufacturing: technology, education, training, events, people and any other aspects of this important segment of our economy. They’ll use this blog to get the word out and solicit feedback on local and global manufacturing. They hope to better engage our employers, employees and our future work force and increase their understanding of manufacturing.

Archive for June 7th, 2009

Skills Credentialing - the new degree

Add comment June 7th, 2009

“Credentialing” is sweeping through management, union, industry associations and workforce consortiums.As companies lessen their paternalistic behavior, workers cannot rely on company records to identify their skill growth within a company. Credentialing, or independent testing, is catching on quickly as a result of this trend. Credentials can be developed by a trade association or industry group very quickly. This allows workers to be recognized for their skills achievement, keeping pace with the rapid change of today’s workplace. The credential process is similar to a licensing process where candidates demonstrate their command of the subject matter at hand. Because credentialing certificates are aimed at skill proficiency, they are much more specific than degree programs. It is conceivable that the rapidity of credential development may shift employer emphasis from degrees to credentials for determining matches for employee hires.There is a lot of activity in credentialing worldwide.  Milwaukee School of Engineering has degree programs in developing credentials. Canada has a national program to support credentialing in a wide range of occupations. Credentials are not only defined for manufacturing but reach into home building and health care as well.For the Rock River Valley Region, TECHWORKS is offering credentials for machinist skills defined by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).  There are various levels of NIMS credentials and Rock Valley College and TECHWORKS have courses to prepare candidates for the credentialing process. More information can be obtained at 815-965-3522.