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    1. Plant Operations

    Zero-Cost Steps to Leverage Industry Skill Certifications

    Oct. 7, 2014
    A nationwide movement is now underway in support of well-established certifications that are industry recognized and nationally portable.

    On the occasion of Manufacturing Day last week, the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) has made available an article written by Leo Reddy, CEO of MSSC.  The article is entitled, "Closing the Skills Gap: Industry Certifications" can go a long way toward fixing a stubborn problem for manufacturers – finding the skilled workers they need."

    Reddy observes that a nationwide movement is now underway in support of well-established certifications that are industry recognized and nationally portable.

    "Zero-cost" steps to increase industry demand for these certifications include:

    • Adoption of company-preferred national certifications in existing hiring and promotion practices. 
    • Company communication with governors of states where companies have operations informing them of company hiring preference for job applicants with those certifications.
    • Large company recommendation to their suppliers to use national certifications as a quality enhancement measure.   

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    About the Author

    Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor - MH&L, IW, & EHS Today

    Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with Endeavor Business Media and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank.

    She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics, EHS Today, and IndustryWeek. 

    Editorial Mission Statement:

    Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes, and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

    Why I Find Manufacturing Interesting: 

    On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

    I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.