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Community Update
March 2024
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The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council will be exhibiting at this year’s Automate conference as part of the Education Pavilion (May 6th - 9th in Chicago)
As the leading automation showcase in North America, the hands-on, front-row-seat experiences offered here are second to none. With more than 800 exhibitors and 200 speakers, Automate’s gathering of expertise and experience is unmatched.
Walking the show floor and visiting exhibitor booths is FREE - click here to register to attend! Conference sessions, exams, and social events are an additional fee.
FANUC America, the leading supplier of CNCs, robotics, and ROBOMACHINEs, and MSSC, the long-established U.S. leader in certifying front-line production technicians with foundational skills in advanced manufacturing and logistics, have aligned to co-market the stackability of their respective industry-recognized certifications. This alliance represents a major step to address the acute shortage of skilled industrial robotics and automation operators.
Both organizations offer their certification assessments through NOCTI/Nocti Business Solutions (NBS), the leader in industry-developed and recognized certification assessments that follow international standards for personnel certification (ISO 17024). NOCTI/NBS have developed and validated the end-of-course assessments for both FANUC and MSSC to certify their technicians. This partnership creates a streamlined approach for schools and industry partners when administering the certifications.
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CASE STUDY - Growing California’s Electric Bus Manufacturing Workforce: How an Employer and a Union Built a High Road Training Pathway
The BYD-SMART Apprenticeship Program in California's electric bus manufacturing sector exemplifies an effective partnership that integrates the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship with the Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 program. This initiative is California's first in this field, offering a structured pathway for entry-level workers to advance to more skilled positions, blending 264 hours of related supplemental instruction with MSSC CPT 4.0 Curriculum.
The program's success highlights the power of collaboration between employers, unions, and educational entities in fostering high-quality, sustainable jobs, contributing to workforce diversity and equity. This case study, authored by Jennie Mollica and Peter Simon of High Road Alliance, serves as a model for future high-impact workforce development initiatives in the manufacturing and clean energy sectors.
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Strengthening National Defense Through Manufacturing
A recent article by Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative, underscores the urgency of enhancing the U.S. manufacturing sector as a national priority, linking it to national security and resilience. He points to the vital role of skill-focused education, the substantial funding injected into semiconductor industries via the CHIPS Act, and the emerging trend of valuing skills over degrees in hiring. Moser calls for united action to bolster manufacturing, positioning it as essential for the nation's safety and economic strength. Read the full article.
Biden Administration Sends FY 2025 Budget Request to Congress
On March 11, the Biden Administration formally sent its fiscal year 2025 (FY 2025) budget request to Congress. The president asked for $82.4 billion for the U.S. Department of Education (ED), roughly 4% over the FY 2023 enacted funding levels, or about $3.1 billion. This request includes a $40 million increase for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act’s (Perkins V) basic state grant program and $32 million in additional funding to expand ED’s "Career Connected High School" competitive grant initiative. Concerns about this component have been continually raised by Advance CTE. The FY 2025 budget also proposes increased investments in career-relevant dual and concurrent enrollment programs. Read more.
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State Policies Impacting CTE: 2023 Year in Review
A comprehensive analysis by Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has shown that 47 states enacted 115 policies in 2023, focusing on industry partnerships and work-based learning. This marks a significant engagement in CTE-related policy actions, second only to the landmark year of 2017. Access the report.
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Senate Explores Youth Apprenticeships
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee's Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety recently held a hearing titled “Youth Apprenticeships: Building Partnerships, Strengthening Career Pathways.” The session featured discussions on the implementation of youth apprenticeship programs across the nation, highlighting the benefits for learners transitioning from K-12 to postsecondary education and careers. Bipartisan efforts, including recent legislation co-sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Ranking Member Mike Braun (R-IN), aim to expand access and funding for these programs. Learn more.
Community Colleges and Apprenticeship: The Promise, the Challenge
A study by New America delves into the role of community colleges in expanding apprenticeship opportunities, addressing both challenges and potential growth areas. This investigation provides insights into the strategic importance of community colleges in the broader apprenticeship ecosystem. Read the study.
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Governors’ Education Policies in 2024
With 42 governors outlining their education policy priorities, 2024 sees a strong focus on workforce development, K-12 funding, teacher workforce, early care and education, academic achievement, and mental health. These trends, identified by the National Governors Association and the Education Commission of the States, underscore the states' commitment to enhancing educational outcomes.
Explore the trends.
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Manufacturers Embrace AI, Automation in Efficiency Push
The manufacturing sector continues its digital transformation journey, with companies like Italian manufacturer Piaggio integrating AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency and safety. This shift underscores the industry's move towards adopting advanced technologies to stay competitive.
Read more.
Workforce Development in Rural America
Research from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce reveals that rural America offers competitive employment opportunities, challenging the narrative of urban superiority in the job market. This study presents an optimistic view of the economic landscape in rural regions.
Discover the findings.
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Strategies for Diversifying the CTE Educator Workforce
ACTE and Advance CTE have released a report outlining challenges and strategies for diversifying the CTE educator workforce. The report presents actionable recommendations for attracting educators from under-represented populations, underscoring the need for inclusive educational environments.
Read the report.
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Lessons from the New Skills for Youth Initiative
The New Skills for Youth (NSFY) initiative, in collaboration with Advance CTE and the Education Strategy Group, highlights the successes and challenges in building sustainable career and technical education pathways. The initiative's findings point to the critical need for improved CTE teacher training and equitable access to career pathways. Recommendations provided by the authors can be found here.
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Hosted by the American Technical Education Association
April 10-12, 2024
Wichita, KS
CTE at the Forefront: Advance CTE Spring Meeting
Hosted by Advance CTE
April 29-May 1, 2024
Arlington, VA
Work-Based Learning Conference
Building Strong Business and Community Connections and Robust Learning Experiences for Students
Hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
May 1-3, 2024
Baird Center, Milwaukee, WI
Automate 2024
Hosted by A3 Association for Advancing Automation
May 6-9, 2024
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Skills Summit
Hosted by the National Skills Coalition
May 13-15, 2024
Capital Hilton, Washington DC
National Forum on Education Policy
Hosted by the Education Commission of the States
July 10-12, 2024
JW Marriott, Washington DC
Postsecondary CTE Summit
Hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
Sept. 18-20
Chicago, Illinois
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Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Website
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