SCMC Training builds Manufacturing Workforce

Local business and manufacturing leaders recently were asked when hiring entry-level operator positions to look at individuals who have earned the nationally recognized SCMC training credential that prepares them to be work ready from day one. At a December 5 kick-off breakfast meeting, participants learned about the newly revamped South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) program, a quick, yet comprehensive training route for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and to secure full-time employment as operators in manufacturing. The SCMC, formerly Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) training, is a 200-hour curriculum that includes the opportunity to earn eight nationally recognized certifications. Topics include industrial safety, quality, blueprints and measurement, production processes and some basic understanding of industrial equipment and maintenance. “This is a broad approach to economic development and work force development,” said John Lummus, vice president for economic and institutional advancement at Tri-County Technical College.  He thanked the business and industry partners “who have provided input to help get this manufacturing certificate program off the ground.  The SCMC program will allow South Carolina to bring its workforce to a higher level.” Earlier this year the S.C. Legislature funded the SCMC program by allocating money for each technical college in the state. Representatives from Tri-County’s Corporate and Community Education Division, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and the South Carolina Technical College System rolled out details about the program at the meeting.  “Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties are pro-manufacturing and South Carolina is committed to being a manufacturing state,” said Ron Humphries, associate program director for the Center for Workforce Excellence at Tri-County.  He noted that today’s jobs are not your grandparents’ or parents’ manufacturing jobs. “It’s advanced manufacturing.  We treat the class like a job, you must be on time and ready to work.  In class they earn an OSHA 10-hour safety card, a Six Sigma yellow belt certification and a national MSSC credential in safety, quality, product system and manufacturing awareness which translates into stackable credentials for college credit.” After they pass the last certification exam, participants receive eight hours of simulation training where they apply the quality, safety and lean manufacturing skills learned in class.  “The SCMC certificate gives applicants them a leg up and many employers consider it to be equivalent to a year of industry experience,” said Humphries.  “We are building an entry-level manufacturing workforce, folks who have completed this training need to go to the front of the hiring line,” said Susan Pretulak, vice president of economic development and workforce competitiveness for the SC Technical College System.  Many want to re-career into manufacturing.  With this certificate under their belts, they deserve that look. It is a stackable credential with WorkKeys® and SCMC credentials. The WorkKeys® test is free, the training is free.  Your voice as manufacturers is key to continuing this process.  Take a look at these folks when you are hiring,” she said.