Newport News,VA  - T he  M anu f a c t u r ing  S k ills In s t i t ute  ( M S I )  an n ounc e d  Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) in Lynchburg, Virginia as the recipient of the 2017 Virginia Manufacturers Association ( V M A) Workforce P a rt ne r o f  the Ye a r  fo r  it s  o uts t andi n g  le ad ershi p and diversity. The award was presented at the MSI Workforce Solutions Symposium at the annual VMA Industry Forum in Newport News, Virginia. Utilizing MSI workforce solutions, CVCC has partnered with local manufacturers to create several paths leading to nationally-recognized industry credentials. CVCC and MSI have partnered to provide economic stability and growth in Region 2000.

 

"Local manufacturers resoundingly requested the very skills and certifications gained through MSI's MS and MT1© certifications. As we move forward to offer the Associate's degree in Mechatronics within the next year, we know the MS and MT1© certifications will further provide a strong foundation for our students and open doors of employment for Region 2000 citizens," stated Cynthia M. Wallin, Ed.D, Dean, Science, Math and Engineering Division, Central Virginia Community College.

 

CVCC has offered the MT1 certification in a variety of ways to expand student opportunities in the Lynchburg area. The college has partnered with Adult Education of Central Virginia to offer a career studies certificate to students enrolled in the Plugged-In Virginia Program (PIVA) focused on preparing individuals for entering manufacturing careers. Also, CVCC has offered the MT1© in a non-credit rapid-train format over the summer to target individuals that are unemployed or underemployed. CVCC is proud to announce they are finalizing a customized program to offer MT1© training in partnership with the Regional Jail Authority for individuals preparing to re-enter the workforce. Lastly, an innovative step was taken to integrate the MS and MT1© into a new Mechatronics program coordinated with Lynchburg local industry. The program was launched this fall and students can obtain a career studies certificate. The development of an Associate's Degree is currently in progress.

 

"CVCC has created a service delivery model that incorporates both the skills needs of manufacturers and the employment needs of individuals by creating training cohorts of job candidates that receive a customized connection with employers upon MT1© program completion and attainment of the MSI nationally recognized MT1 ©  certification," said Dr. Victor Gray, MSI Executive Director.  "CVCC understands the value of industry credentials as a way in which individuals can signal they are 'manufacturing work ready' and companies appreciate the return on value in the hiring marketplace."

 

The VMA projects that over the next decade, there will be about 66,000 job openings in manufacturing.  Of those, some 40,000 will require skilled workers with more than a high school diploma, with the majority requiring industry credentials.

 

By utilizing MSI workforce solutions,CVCC is helping to develop a workforce pipeline to meet the skill standards identified by industry.  As an MSI Academic and Workforce Partner, the CVCC has access to MSI's world-class workforce solutions, which are endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).  The MSI Partner Network currently spans 16 states and includes more than 120 partner institutions, including middle schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, one stop workforce centers, and technical centers.