Free training in manufacturing offered - Abilene companies have jobs to fill
January 27, 2007
The West Central Texas Workforce Development Board - in partnership with the Development Corporation of Abilene, the Workforce Center, and Texas State Technical College - has developed a training program in basic manufacturing. The six-week curriculum will culminate in a certification as a manufacturing production technician. The nationally recognized certification is awarded by the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, and having this credential demonstrates competency in basic skills required to enter any type of manufacturing environment anywhere. Each trainee must complete a 140-hour course, which will consist of five weeks of manufacturing skills training at TSTC and one week of basic employment skills training at the Workforce Center. Two classes are planned. Each will have about 15 students.
Twelve local manufacturers - Bandag, Abtex Beverages, Coca-Cola, Tige Boats, Martin Sprocket & Gear, Hirschfeld Steel, Fehr Foods, Peerless Manufacturing, Rentech Boiler Services, Micrometals, Inc., PWP Industries, and Zoltek - participated in a series of meetings and a survey to determine their interest in hiring workers with the MSSC certification. A significant shortage of entry-level workers and an immediate hiring need of 90-105 additional workers were identified. Targeted manufacturers have voiced their support for the MSSC training, and have agreed to participate in a job fair and provide interviews to any student who is certified. Funding for the training and the certification assessment fee for each participant will be covered by the Development Corporation of Abilene and the Workforce Development Board. The application and screening process is under way for the first MSSC class, which begins March 12.
