Gold Rush at Boise State University and Saint Claire TEC in the Precision Machining Technology Competition

From left: John Kovalchuck, PMA Educational Foundation; Paul Huber, NIMS Board of Directors; Brian Harbeck, Sno-Isle Vocational Skills Center, Bronze High School/Secondary; Keith Kimmel, Romeo Engineering & Technology Center, Bronze College/Post-Secondary; Nicholas Shepley, Saint Clair TEC, Gold High School/Secondary; Ryan Watson, Boise State University, Gold College/Post Secondary; Cory Mahn, Alexandria Tech College, Silver College/Post Secondary; Fernando De La Garza, Dehryl A. Dennis PTEC, Silver High School/Secondary; Bob Skodzinsky, Haas Automation, Inc.; Gregory Chambers, NIMS Board of Directors.

The 2008 Precision Machining Technology Competition at the SkillsUSA National Championships resulted in the rarest of outcomes as Boise State University and Saint Claire Technical High School produced gold medalists for the second year in a row.

Nicholas Shepley of Saint Clair TEC won gold in the high school competition for 2008 while Jon Welser, now part of Haas’ Master Apprentice program, took the gold in 2007. Both students were instructed by Duane Emig.

For the college/post-secondary competition, Boise State University’s Ryan Watson won gold in the 2008 event while Josh Bovey won in 2007. Watson was instructed by Dave Sperry and Bovey was instructed by Bill Starky.

Precision Machining Technology contestants at SkillsUSA competed in the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level I and II manual machining skills and knowledge areas including operation of manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and surface grinders. Contestant knowledge of CNC programming skills using a desktop controller was evaluated.

Related knowledge and skill in the areas of engineering drawing interpretation, GD&T, technical math, machining practices, use of precision measuring hand tools and ability to communicate verbally using proper industry terminology was also part of the competition.

The Precision Machining Technology Competition at SkillsUSA 2009 will be held June 24-26 in Kansas City. For information on advertising or sponsorship opportunities, click here. Contact NIMS to learn more at 703-352-4971 or email jstellenwerf@nims-skills.org.

Precision Machining Technology Championship at SkillsUSA to be held June 25-26

2007 Medalists From Left: Alex Morena (MA), Secondary Silver Medalist; Jeff Washburn (AZ), Post-Secondary Silver Medalist; Josh Bovey (ID), Post-Secondary Gold Medalist; Jon Welser (MI), Secondary Gold Medalist; Scott Anderson (MN), Post-Secondary Bronze Medalist; Alex Johnson (OH), Secondary Bronze Medalist.

The students – all gold medal winners in their respective states – are competing against each other and against the clock in both manual and CNC operations based on the NIMS Level I and Level II Skill Standards. NIMS will again chair and direct the national competition.

Major contributing companies include Haas Automation, Clausing Industrial, Crossland Machinery, LS Starrett, Industrial Press and Sandvik Coromant.

Additionally, the event is sponsored by the Association for Manufacturing Technology, the TMA Educational Foundation, the PMPA Educational Foundation, the PMA Educational Foundation, and the National Tooling & Machining Foundation.

The objective of SkillsUSA and the National Precision Machining Technology Competition is to offer students the opportunity to demonstrate through competition their leadership and hands-on occupational skills, to learn current industry expectations and to receive recognition for achievement. Contest standards are quickly incorporated into classroom and lab teaching all across the country.

For more information click here, or to get involved with the Precision Machining Technology Competition at SkillsUSA, contact NIMS at 703-352-4971.

Eaton's Goum Tham is Nation's First NIMS Certified Toolmaker

From Left: Ron Krueger, Training Coordinator at Eaton Hydraulics in Eden Prairie, MN; Goum Tham; Lawrence Harer, Facilities Manager at Eaton; Debra Bultnick, Liaison for Manufacturing Workforce Development, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Rich Davy, Senior Field Rep-Apprenticeships, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Goum Tham of Eaton Hydraulics in Minnesota is the first apprentice in the nation to achieve the NIMS Certified Toolmaker. Tham began his career at Eaton as a manufacturing technician and has earned 13 NIMS credentials since 2005. The credentials include NIMS Level II EDM and CNC as well as NIMS Level III CNC Programming.

NIMS Executive Director Stephen Mandes presented Tham with his certificate.

The Eaton Hydraulics Apprenticeship program is aligned with the NIMS National Guideline Standards for Apprenticeship and is registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

For further information about NIMS Credentials or the NIMS Competency-Based Apprenticeship program, contact Stephen Mandes at NIMS 703-352-4971 or smandes@nims-skills.org.

Minnesota On-the-Job Training Workshop to be Held at Hennepin Technical College May 20-21

A workshop to jumpstart Minnesota employers in the education and training of their OJT Trainers will be held at Hennepin Technical College’s Brooklyn Park Campus the 20-21st of May.

The workshop is being co-sponsored by Manufacturing Success and will be professionally facilitated by Chuck Guiste of PennUnited Technologies and the NIMS Expert Panel. Participants will learn the theoretical concepts on the first day of the workshop and have a chance to apply the concepts in hands-on demonstrations the second day. Each participant will earn two of the three required skill checks for the NIMS OJT Trainer Performance Demonstration Report.

The inaugural OJT Trainer workshop was held May 6-7 at Custom Machine Inc. in Woburn, Massachusetts. Participating companies included Custom Machine Inc., Hobson & Motzer Inc., Methods Machine Tools Inc., and OKAY Industries Inc.

Of the May 6 workshop experience, Rich Casey of Methods Machine Tool commented: “Over the last 30 years, we at Methods have sent a hundred trainers out to our customers. We pride ourselves on the fact that these trainers are experts on our equipment; however, we now recognize that our customers are better served when our trainers also have the skills to effectively teach. We are committed to standardizing what—and how—we teach. Attending this workshop gave me the insight as to how Methods can improve our internal training. We now have the tools and the methodology to train our staff of trainers to more effectively serve our customers.”

Individuals interested in registering for the May 20-21 workshop in Minnesota may click here to access the registration form. Please fax the form to Manufacturing Success at 763-972-8537.

For more information on the NIMS Structured On-the-Job Training System, please click here.

Please contact Garry Bultnick of Manufacturing Success with questions about the Minnesota workshop at garry@mfgsuccess.com.

First Two On-the-Job Trainer (Train the Trainer) Workshops Scheduled

NIMS has scheduled its first two workshops for the On-the-Job Trainer level of the NIMS OJT System. The first workshop will be May 6-7 in Woburn, MA at Custom Machine and the second will be May 20-21 at the Brooklyn Campus of Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota. Manufacturing Success is co-sponsoring and marketing the Minnesota workshop.

Both workshops will be professionally facilitated by Chuck Guiste of the NIMS Expert Panel and Penn United Technologies.

Participants will gain an understanding of the competencies through theory instruction and related performance demonstration. The first day of the workshops will include an in depth discussion of the theoretical knowledge and the second day of the workshops will include a practical application of the theory.

NIMS Board of Directors President, Gregory Chambers, said that the NIMS OJT system enables " companies to have systems and processes in place to effectively transfer skills from one employee to another."

Interested individuals should contact Cassandra Hoover at NIMS at choover@nims-skills.org or 703-352-4971. You can also view more information by clicking here.

W.F. Kaynor Technical High School first in Connecticut to earn NIMS Accreditation

From left: Ceferino Lugo, Assistant Superintendent, State of Connecticut Department of Education; Connecticut State Senator Joan Hartley; Stephen Mandes, NIMS Executive Director; Robert Axon, Principal, W.F. Kaynor Technical High School

W.F. Kaynor Technical High School has become the first high school in the State of Connecticut to achieve accreditation of its Advanced Manufacturing Technology program by NIMS. 

Kaynor’s program is a unique “joint venture” formed by the technical high school and local manufacturers to increase the supply of highly skilled workers in the local area. Seen as a “Top Gun” school for machinists, the program seeks to provide the top Kaynor students with an opportunity to work on state-of-the-art metalworking equipment in a collegiate setting to achieve NIMS credentials that certify their skills.

Not only does this program provide a new supply of highly skilled workers in our area, it lets all prospective employers know exactly what level of skill the new workers have achieved relative to the new rigorous standards nationwide.

“It used to take several years before we could tell if a new apprentice was going to make the grade or not,” said Tim Richards of PalmGuitar, former Project Coordinator of the program. “Now, with their skills both documented and certified by NIMS, there is incredible competition among local companies to hire the best of the best from this program.”  

The Kaynor program is guided by a Governing Board made up of industry and educators.  The Board is co-chaired Jack Traver, Jr., President of Traver IDC located in Waterbury and Robert Axon, Principal of W.F. Kaynor Technical High School. 

Mr. Axon commented that “Kaynor’s long standing partnership with the region’s manufacturers is a key component to Kaynor’s success in this area.”  Jack Traver, Jr. noted that “receiving the NIMS program accreditation is a prestigious honor and represents industry’s mark of approval and recognition of the training program offered through Kaynor.” 

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) Program was designed, in 2000, to attract the excelling 11th and 12th grade manufacturing technology students from W.F. Kaynor Regional Technical High School to participate in a cooperative educational program between Kaynor and the Naugatuck Valley Community College to teach advanced skills specific to the manufacturing trade. In 2007, the program received NIMS accreditation following a rigorous examination.

Planning for NIMS Student Summit at IMTS 2008 underway, set to be bigger and better than ever

The NIMS Student Summit at IMTS 2008 combines an interactive Career Development Center with a dynamic self-guided tour of the nation’s greatest technology and manufacturing exhibition.

Sponsored by the Association for Manufacturing Technology along with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), the event’s main goal is to generate interest and incite enthusiasm in young people for precision manufacturing through contact with industry professionals and state-of-the-art technology. Instructors can have their students witness emerging technologies that will be the future platform for precision manufacturing.

The NIMS Student Summit will feature the return of Student Friendly Exhibitors, brining the classroom into the center of the world of advanced manufacturing technology. Students will have the ability to interact with IMTS exhibitor personnel, ask questions about career opportunities and the skill sets required for entrance into the precision manufacturing industry. Examples of Student Friendly Exhibitors for 2008 include Haas Automation, Agie Charmilles, L.S. Starrett, ToolingU, and Mastercam.

The Career Development Center (CDC) will be the focal point of the NIMS Student Summit.

As part of the CDC, all students will experience an event orientation during which they will learn about what they can expect during their visit, how their IMTS experiences will relate to future career opportunities in the industry, and they will also hear from successful, young professionals in the industry.

The CDC will feature interactive exhibits from colleges and universities, companies and company human resource representatives, and industry associations.

Continuous door prizes, a group photo opportunity, and both student and instructor challenges will bring excitement to the CDC while the Career Resource CD-ROM, given to each student, as well as the exhibits will provide students and educators with important industry-related career information. 

New in 2008, graduating high school and college students may bring their resumes, including contact information, to the CDC to drop-off for participating companies to review for entry-level job openings. Educators bringing groups of students will be given more details about this exciting opportunity prior to IMTS.

For more information on the NIMS Student Summit, log onto the IMTS website: http://www.imts.com/visitor/student.html.

You may also contact NIMS directly at 703-352-4971 or by email at jstellenwerf@nims-skills.org

NIMS Launches Train the Trainer Program

David Lotz (right) and Kevin Karenbauer (left) of PennUnited Technologies.

To view the Preview Packages click here.

A program to substantially increase the effectiveness of companies’ on-the-job training is officially launched by NIMS at the annual conference of the National Tooling and Machining Association.

The NIMS OJT System enables companies to train and certify those employees who conduct the company’s on-the-job training.

The OJT System addresses the distinct needs and requirements for three categories of training personnel:

 Candidates who successfully complete the training will receive NIMS OJT System certification for that training-related function. The NIMS Certificate provides evidence that the employee has the core competencies required to support the OJT program and to optimize the results for the trainees.

For more information, preview packages, and an order form, please visit the On-the-Job Training section of our website by clicking here.

Companies interested in using these certifications and this training should contact Cassandra Hoover at choover@nims-skills.org or 703-352-4971.

U.S. Department of Labor Proposes Rules
to Align Apprenticeship with the 21st Century Economy

     The proposed rules would set up a more flexible and user-friendly approach for apprentices and employers, and make updates and changes affecting state apprenticeship agencies and the U.S. Department of Labor. The revisions would expand the ways that individuals can advance through apprenticeships. The types of training would expand from one to the following three approaches:

     Electronic media would be added to the definition of Related Technical Instruction and, as a result, establish technology-based and distance learning as part of an apprentice’s instruction.

    The proposed changes provide for interim credential certificates, so that active apprentices can demonstrate their proficiency in particular required skills and competencies to employers. Provisions also feature reciprocity, which would allow programs to cross state lines, so long as the host state’s applicable laws are followed. Program performance and accountability standards would be enhanced, while guidance and technical assistance would continue to give apprenticeship programs the best prospects for success.

     The proposed rules appear in the Federal Register from December 13, 2007 and can be accessed online at http://www.dol.gov/eta/regs/fedreg/proposed/2007024178.pdf. The 60-day public comment period will end on February 11, 2008.

NIMS Welcomes Chad Arthur to its Board of Directors

Above: NIMS President, Gregory Chambers (right), welcomes Chad Arthur to the Board of Directors.

NIMS proudly welcomes its newest member to the Board of Directors, Chad Arthur, during its quarterly Board meeting Friday, October 26, 2007 in Long Boat Key, Florida. Mr. Arthur serves as President and CEO of Arthur Machinery, Inc., which specializes in the sales, engineering and service of precision CNC Machine Tools. For more information about Arthur Machinery, click here: http://www.arthurmachinery.com/index.htm

Mr. Arthur serves on the Board of Directors for Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs which is a nation-wide foundation dedicated to educating young people in manufacturing through mentoring programs and media awareness. Chad is also an active Board Member at both Advantage National Bank and Happy Memories Foundation.

He attended Bowling Green State University, Ohio on a scholarship where he played hockey and double majored in Manufacturing & Engineering, Business Management and minored in Accounting.  He was then drafted by the Montreal Canadians.

He and his wife Annamarie are the proud parents of three daughters Arianna, Alessia and Angelica and reside in a northwest suburb of Chicago, IL.

Pilot Companies Completing New

NIMS Trainer Certifications

The companies piloting the new Trainer Certifications will provide their final input at a meeting in Pittsburgh on November ninth.  The certifications will be available to industry use by the beginning of 2008.

The three certifications- Company Training Coordinator, OJT Senior Trainer and OJT Trainer- are designed to enable companies to effectively deliver on-the job-training.  The competencies and testing measures were developed by the NIMS Expert Panel and are being piloted by 13 companies in nine states.

Included in with the certification package will be training resource materials, including a Self-Directed Workbook.   Testing for the certifications will include actual job performances and theory examinations.  The job performances will be measured through NIMS Credentialing Achievement Records and the theory exams will be administered on line through the NIMS Testing Center.

The companies piloting the certifications are Southern Manufacturing Technologies, Metalquest, Hope Industries, Fulton Industries, GMT, Pratt &Whitney, McGregor Metalworking Companies, Oberg Industries, Penn United Technologies, Hamill  Manufacturing Company, Curtis Wright EMD, EC Kitzel & Son, and Olson International.

Interested companies should contact Stephen Mandes at 703-352-4971 or at smandes@nims-skills.org

First South Texas College Machinist Apprenticeship Program Student Earns NIMS Certificate of Special Merit

STC Machinist Apprenticeship Program student Raul Gutierrez with his certificates recognizing his certification through the National Institute of Metalworking Skills.

Raul Gutierrez is the first student enrolled in South Texas College to earn seven level one machining requirements for National Institute of Metalworking Skills Certificate of Special Merit.

Gutierrez is enrolled in the Machining Apprenticeship Program through the college’s Partnership for Workforce and Industry Training. He is the first of the program’s apprentices to complete all level one machining standards.

In summer 2007, South Texas College was the first college in the entire state of Texas to earn NIMS Accreditation for its Precision Manufacturing Technology Program, as well as its workforce training programs for machining and tool and die making. In order to earn the accreditation and help students earn NIMS certification, STC met and exceeded national metalworking industry standards for quality of instruction, incorporation of important, high-level industry skills and overall safety.

“We are very proud of Raul’s accomplishments and salute his dedication to the rigorous standards of our program and NIMS,” said Carlos Margo, training manager for STC’s Partnership for Business and Industry Training. “Of the many program’s offered through the college, it is quite an accomplishment to be the very first student to achieve this level of mastery. We look forward to more of our students earning this prestigious certification as their skills and studies progress.”

Gutierrez is currently in his second year in the Machinist Apprenticeship Program and has been working at General Electric Engine Services for the past four years.

“I know that earning level one certification has made me more valuable to my company,” said Gutierrez. “By gaining the knowledge and experience needed to meet industry guidelines set forth by major manufacturers and contributing to quality control and technological advancement.”

Many Rio Grande Valley businesses and industry partners have praised the college for its efforts to earn NIMS accreditation, ensuring that high-caliber training is available locally.

“The South Texas Manufacturers Association would like to recognize STC for its contributions to the industry by earning this accreditation and offering certification to its students,” said Mike Willis for STMA. “NIMS credentialing is crucial as a means of demonstrating machining competencies. NIMS credentials were incorporated into the Tool and Die and Machinist Apprenticeship standards in 2004 and ensure that Valley businesses are getting the best home-grown talent and do not need to recruit trained professionals from other regions in the United States. This is a big advantage for us, as well as the local economy.

STMA would also like to congratulate Raul Gutierrez for being the first apprentice to successfully earn all seven level one core credentials. This is an accomplishment to be very proud of, ensuring a bright future in this industry.”

For more information about STC’s Partnership for Business and Industry Training Tool and Die and Machinist Apprenticeship Programs contact Claudio Guerra at (956) 872-6168.

Ed Gordon to Keynote Chicago Summit on American Manufacturing Workforce Shortage

Ed Gordon, internationally known author and expert on the forthcoming workforce crisis, will keynote a major manufacturing workforce summit being sponsored by the Swiss Business Hub and the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank. 

The Summit will be held at the Federal Reserve on October 2, 2007.  The summit will feature business, education and political leaders from American manufacturing, who have demonstrated a commitment to the development of a quality skilled workforce in their own companies.

This summit represents an excellent opportunity to learn how American leaders are addressing the workforce issues, and what tools are being put into place for the future.  A complete agenda and registration form can be found at https://www.tmanet.com/flyers/ViewFlyer.asp?RID=1370.

NIMS Issues First National Industry Trainer Certifications

David Buxton and Kevin Miller of Ohio Stamping and Machine LLC are the first in the nation to earn the new OJT Trainer Certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).  Springfield, Ohio-based Ohio Stamping and Machine is one of the McGregor Metalworking Companies.

“This is indicative of McGregor Metalworking Companies’ long-standing commitment to its workforce,” said NIMS President Gregory Chambers. “McGregor Metalworking Companies have been at the forefront in the development and maintenance of a highly skilled workforce.”

James B. McGregor, President of McGregor Brothers Metalworking Companies, says that “Dave and Kevin exemplify” that commitment.  “We congratulate these two gentlemen on this important personal accomplishment and know they will continue to be an asset to the McGregor Companies.”

The new certifications are a component of the NIMS Structured On-The Job Training Program that is being launched nationally in November.  The certifications required employees to demonstrate their training skills against industry developed competencies.  The employees must satisfactorily test by meeting both workplace performance and theory examinations.   The NIMS Structured On-The Job training Program also includes certifications for Senior OJT Trainers and Company Training Coordinators.  OSMI is one of 20 companies in 17 states that are piloting the program. 

“In today’s manufacturing environment, with ever-increasing demand for high skills to meet rapid technological advances, on-the job training is mandatory,” said Mr. Chambers. “We saw a critical need to assist American manufacturing companies by giving them these tools.  This will enable them to more effectively deliver training at the workplace to assure that their workers can remain globally competitive.”

NIMS is developing the Structured-On-The Job Training Program with assistance from the Employment and Training Administration of the U. S. Department of Labor.  “We are really pleased with of the Department’s understanding of our need and its response,” said Mr. Chambers.

“On-the-job learning and earning strategies will have a significant role in the technology-driven gains the economy makes in the 21st century,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, Emily Stover DeRocco. “The Department of Labor is proud to support the development of this certification program. We look forward to its national launch this fall.”

NIMS develops skill standards for the nation’s precision manufacturing industry, certifies individual skills and accredits training programs.  There are 55 NIMS skill certifications.  NIMS has issued over 16,000 individual skill certifications. 

Contact: Stephen Mandes, smandes@nims-skills.org  (703) 352-4971.

Central Carolina Community College Machining Technology Department Receives NIMS National Accreditation

Stephen Mandes (center), NIMS executive director presents the NIMS accreditation certificate to Central Carolina Community College’s Machining Technology Department during a banquet July 31 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. Receiving the accreditation certificate are (from left) CCCC Harnett County Provost Bill Tyson, President Matt Garrett, Machining Technology Department Chairman Edwin Thomas accepting the certificate from Mandes, and Machining Technology instructors John Faircloth and Glenn Shearin.

Central Carolina Community College’s Machining Technology Department was honored Tuesday for achievement of a significant milestone. It has received accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills as a training center for NIMS Level I machining skill standards.

The NIMS accreditation means that CCCC is authorized to train students in NIMS Level I, entry-level, machining skills. The skill standards were developed by industry. Students who demonstrate mastery of the skills, such as benchwork, milling, turning between centers, grinding and turning-chucking, will receive certificates that are recognized by industry nationwide.

College, public school, industry, county governments, and state educational representatives gathered for the formal presentation of the accreditation certificate July 31 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford. Cleveland Lewis, director of Regional Customized Training for the N.C. Community College System’s Economic and Workforce Development, was among the guests.

“I work with industries coming into the area,” he said. “The NIMS accreditation gives me the ability to promote the machining program at CCCC – it gives it national credibility. It is something I can point to when industries interested in coming to the area need skilled machinists.”

With the accreditation, the college can also offer NIMS certification training to non-students through its Continuing Education program.

Stephen Mandes, NIMS executive director, presented the accreditation certificate to CCCC. He commended the college for wanting to measure its machining technology training against the national industry standards.

The department had to go through a voluntary, but rigorous, two-year accreditation process. When it set the goal of receiving NIMS Level I accreditation, Department Chairman Edwin Thomas and tool and die instructors Glenn Shearin and John Faircloth each became NIMS accredited Level I instructors.

CCCC President Matt Garrett noted that the college first offered machining in the 1960s. He added that a lot of industries have come to the local area because of the college’s excellent record of training machinist/tool and die workers. NIMS accreditation means that industry can hire Machining Technology graduates knowing that they have met national skill standards, he said.

“NIMS can be used in many different ways,” said Mr. Thomas. “It can be an incentive for industry relocation, or employers may use the credentials as an assessment for current employees or as a screening process for potential employees. The two-year evaluation process by NIMS curriculum and instructors enhanced our capacity to train employees for the workforce.”

For more information about CCCC’s Machining Technology/Tool & Die Making programs, contact Edwin Thomas, (919) 718-7261, or e-mail at ethomas@cccc.edu.

Note:  Story and photo contributed by Katherine McDonald

News & Feature Writer

Central Carolina Community College 

Dan Follmer of Eaton Hydraulics is first to complete NIMS Machine Tool Maintenance Service and Repair Apprenticeship

From Left: Roslyn Wade, Director of Apprenticeship and Labor Standards, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry; Dan Follmer; Lee Marske, Eaton Plant Manager; Ron Kreuger, Eaton Training Manager.

Dan Follmer at Eaton Hydraulics has become the nation’s first NIMS Certified Machine Tool Maintenance, Service and Repair Technician.    Mr. Follmer was honored at ceremonies held July 6, 20s7 at the Eaton plant in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Roslyn Wade, Director of Apprenticeship and Labor Standards, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry remarked that  “the State of Minnesota's Apprenticeship unit joins the National Institute of Metalworking Skills to congratulate Eaton Manufacturing and their graduate apprentice, Dan Follmer, on becoming the first NIMS Certified Machine Maintenance, Service and Repair Apprentice in the United States."  

Ms. Wade presented Mr. Follmer’s journey level certificate and card. The NIMS certification was presented by NIMS executive director Stephen Mandes.

To complete the new apprenticeship program, Mr. Follmer earned nine NIMS credentials, including the Machine Maintenance, Service and Repair Levels II and III certifications.  Each credential required both on-the-job-performance examinations and related theory tests.   The maintenance credentials are based on NIMS Maintenance Standards developed with assistance from the Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors Association.    

The Eaton program was registered and approved by the Minnesota State Apprenticeship Council in accord with the National Guideline Standards developed by NIMS and approved by the United State Department of Labor.

Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 59,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries.

Swiss Minister Martin vonWalterskirchen Presents Awards for SkillsUSA Championships in Precision Machining Technology Competition

From Left: Jeff Washburn, Alex Morena, Josh Bovey, Minister Martin vonWalterskirchen, Jon Welser, Scott Anderson, Alex Johnson

Michigan’s Jon Welser and Idaho’s Josh Bovey will be off to Switzerland this Fall as they won the gold medals in the 2007 SkillsUSA Precision Machining Technology Competition chaired by NIMS and held June 27-28 in Kansas City. Click here for more information on the competition.   Welser,  from Saint Clair Technical Center in Marysville, Michigan,  was first among 42 secondary school contestants and Bovey of Boise State University  was the top scorer among 30 post-secondary state winners.

Alex Morena, South Shore Vo-Tech High School, Hanover, Massachusetts and Jeff Washburn, Gateway Community College, Phoenix, Arizona were silver medalists in secondary and post-secondary, respectively.  Alex Johnson, Miami Valley Career Technical Center in Dayton, Ohio won the bronze for the secondary level competition and Scott Anderson of Saint Paul College, Saint Paul, Minnesota took the bronze among the post-secondary contestants.

Buoyed by an outpouring of industry support, the nation’s top precision machining students competed against each the and against the clock as they programmed CNC mills and CNC lathes, made precision parts on grinding and milling machines, lathes and drill presses, demonstrated their process control and precision measurement skills.  The contestants were also tested for their related knowledge including  geometric dimensioning and tolerancing and engineering drawing interpretation.

Among the many prizes awarded is a ten day trip to Switzerland for the gold medalists. Sponsored by the Swiss government the prize was awarded by  Swiss Minister Martin von Walterskirchen  who was on hand to personally present the awards.

Over $2 million in machines and tooling was donated by Clausing Industrial, Inc., Haas Automation, Inc., , LS Starrett Company and Sandvick Coromat.  Employees from 45 companies from across the nation volunteered their time, serving as industry judges and working with the Crossland Machinery Company in undertaking the monumental task of setting up a 20,000 square foot factory operation in the exposition center. 

NIMS stakeholder associations were major sponsors and included the Association for Manufacturing Technology, the Precision Machined Parts Association, the Precision Manufacturing Association and the Tooling and Manufacturing Association.   Firemen’s Fund sponsored the Judges Dinner and filmed the entire competition from the theory exams through the awards ceremony at the Kemper Arena.   The entire competition was based on NIMS Machining Standards Levels I and II, including the theory examinations which were authored for NIMS by Industrial Press.

South Texas College First in Texas to Earn NIMS Accreditation

STC's Precision Manufacturing Technology instruction team from left are Daniel Morales, instructor; Petro Garza, instructor; Ed Hausbeck; Esmeralda Adame, instructor; Joel Gonzalez, lab technician; and Felix Guerrero, instructor. Not pictured is Ed Benavides, instructor.

South Texas College is the first program in the entire State of Texas to earn the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Accreditation for its Precision Manufacturing Technology (PMT) Program. This new accreditation means that STC has met and exceeded national metalworking industry standards for quality of instruction, incorporation of important, high-level industry skills and overall safety.

“A prominent leader in workforce training statewide, South Texas College deserves its well-earned recognition as the first training institution in Texas to earn NIMS accreditation,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chair Diane Rath, who also serves on the NIMS Board of Directors. “Since the Governor and state Legislature established the Skills Development Fund in 1996, STC has worked with South Texas employers to take advantage of these valuable grants that create jobs for or upgrade the skills of the region’s workforce. Such dedication to employers, the workforce and the community are what enable the college to provide the training programs, curricula, quality faculty and facilities that have earned this accreditation and set an example for other Texas schools to follow.”

“We had to go through a stringent process to earn this accreditation, including a self-study of our instructional quality, curriculum, equipment and safety, which was no small feat,” said Mario Reyna, division dean of business, math, science and technology for STC. “After this long and in-depth process, it is a real honor and tribute to the quality of our program, instructors, students and administrators that we earned this accreditation. It is also an important milestone for colleges across the State of Texas.”

“Consistency in quality and process is the goal of global business. The NIMS certification quickly conveys that message of quality and process in the STC Precision manufacturing Program,” said Keith Patridge, president of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. “It will give industry assurance that the graduates of the program posses the skills and ability to do the job.”

“NIMS accreditation is a highly sought after prize in the precision manufacturing field,” said Ed Hausbeck, chair of the program for STC. “It demonstrates that your program is meeting high standards for education and safety. NIMS is working hard to establish a standard that all metalworking professionals will have to live up to, ensuring that their work is top-notch. Because our students will be NIMS credentialed when they graduate with their associate’s or certificate from the program, they will be highly sought after and have a higher earning potential. This is a huge competitive advantage for our students.”

“We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the Texas Workforce Commission and the college’s Partnership for Business and Industry Training, who provided support and guidance through the accrediting process,” added Reyna.” We also want to thank John Dellagmaggiora, previous vice president of the South Texas Manufacturers Association (STMA), who worked closely with the college to launch the NIMS accreditation process. His vision has ensured that our students are entering the workforce with world-class technology skills.”

Penn United Technologies’ Landon Fleeger Becomes

Nation’s First NIMS Certified Press Setup Operator

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