The Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) Education Foundation, the leading educational organization supporting precision machining, announced the awarding of two grants to cover the cost of credentialing incurred by organizations interested in offering the Right Skills Now (RSN) program for precision machining. The program kicked off in Ohio, with grants in support of the NIMS credentialing program at Lorain County Community College and Stark State College of Technology, as they launch the Right Skills Now program. The PMPA Educational Foundation’s grants will cover the schools’ NIMS registration and credentialing fees. Through this initiative, students at the two schools will be able to earn four industry recognized National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certifications. 

"The PMPA Educational Foundation is committed to supporting educational programs like Right Skills Now at Lorain County Community College and Stark State College that provide students with the skills that are most in-demand within the precision machining industry. The need for skilled and credentialed CNC Operators is particularly strong in Ohio,” said Miles Free, Director at PMPA.

"This is just the start of the Educational Foundation’s support of Right Skills Now,” said Dave Knuepfer, Foundation President. “We are looking forward to helping more institutions qualify to issue Right Skills Now credentials and provide the skilled workforce that is needed in all of our shops. As other institutions adopt the RSN program we will consider supporting them with the same level of support.

” Right Skills Now is nationally-recognized as a fast-track solution to providing highly-skilled, certified talent to the shop floor. Students enrolled in the Lorain County Community College or Stark State Right Skills Now program, will complete 16 to 24 weeks of coursework, which provides them with the knowledge and skills demanded in precision machining careers. At the culmination of each course, students complete performance and theory assessments to obtain four industry-recognized NIMS credentials and enter into internships with local employers. Depending on the area of study, students will also receive up to 20 credits towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.

“Since the launch of the Right Skills Now Program in 2011, we have seen tremendous national expansion of this program,” said James Wall, NIMS Executive Director. “We hear from companies every day that they need individuals with the right skills, right now and this accelerated program connects individuals with high-paying manufacturing jobs, tackling the skills gap challenge. PMPA Educational Foundation grants will allow for further expansion of the program.” 

“Access to talented individuals with a high-quality education and advanced skills is critical to manufacturers’ success. Right Skills Now is an innovative approach that accelerates an individual’s readiness for high demand careers, and positions them for ongoing advancement in the manufacturing sector,” said Roy Church, President Lorain County Community College. “Collaboration is at the heart of this program’s success. We are particularly proud that ten local employers are working together with Lorain County Community College and our Lorain County Growth Partners to close this critical skills gap.”

“Stark State College’s mission is to prepare students for high-demand, rewarding careers, and our partnership with PMPA advances that mission,” said Para M. Jones, Ph.D., President of Stark State College. “Thanks to PMPA and the competency-based Right Skills Now program, we will provide manufacturers in the region with the skilled machinists they need. Students benefit by gaining the precise skills they need to get good jobs as machinists.”

To apply for the grant funding, please contact Jaya Dadlayni at (440) 262-5329 or by e-mail at jdadlani@pmpa.org. 

About PMPA Education Foundation

The PMPA Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed to promote and fund education, training and career opportunities in the Precision Machining Industry. For more information on PMPA Education Foundation, please visit: http://www.pmpa.org/careers/pmpa-foundation#sthash.tW2SuqsZ.dpuf