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Industry Training

Shortage of qualified employees
Today, there is a shortage of qualified, skilled employees for manufacturing industries. At the end of 2002 over 1300 positions in manufacturing in southwestern PA could not be filled, because job seekers did not have the required skills. The latest findings are summarized in the presentation "Manufacturing Job Vacancy Survey 2004 Update" by Dr. Silvio Baretta.(See: What's New/Publications.)

Industry Training to keep Companies Competitive

Skilled employees are critical to keeping local industry competitive and profitable.

• To integrate new technologies and remain competitive, companies must continuously update employees' skills.
• Customized On-The-Job training can improve quality and productivity.
• Apprenticeships and industry credentialing raise skill levels of employees.
• Regional education providers offer general and customized training that meets the specific needs of industry.

Apprenticeships:

Apprenticeships raise the skill levels of employees by combining:

• classroom instruction
• concurrent On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Apprenticeship training can take from one to six years. Apprentices work and learn under the direction of experienced journey persons. As apprentices gain additional skills, they are compensated through an increase in wages.

For example, after completing 4 years of classroom instruction, along with the concurrent On-the-Job experience and registration with the US. Dept. of Labor, you can become a certified journey person in the metal trades industry.

For general information about apprenticeships see the Department of Labor/Apprenticeship website.

In southwestern PA, the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) apprenticeship is administered through a partnership with New Century Careers, which makes the apprenticeship program widely available to regional machining and welding students.

Apprenticeship Providers:

Apprenticeships may be offered by:

• local unions
• professional organizations such as:
• the National Tooling and Manufacturing Association (NTMA)
• National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
• employers

Industry training for Career Advancement

• Take advanced technical courses to help you advance along your careerpath.
• Training can consist of specific technical courses, apprenticeship programs, or a series of courses leading to a certificate or degree.

Providers of industry-specific training include:

• Apprenticeship program providers
• Training Companies
• Credentialing organizations such as NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills, American Welding Society)
• Local Career and Technology Centers (or Area Vocational and Technical Schools) that offer adult education
• Community Colleges
• 2 yr. And 4 yr. Colleges and Universities
• Professional Societies

Checkout the providers of industry-related training to locate the training that is right for you or your company!

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