NTMA -U Graduates to Receive College Credits at University of Akron

We are very excited to announce NTMA-U's partnership with the University of Akron:

For Immediate Release

May 2, 2012  

Contact: Caitlin Andrews, 202-828-7637

caitlin.andrews@bgllp.com

NATIONAL TOOLING AND MACHINING ASSOCIATION’S “NTMA –U” GRADUATES TO RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDITS

AT UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Twenty-one Credits to be awarded to NTMA-U Graduates in University’s Prestigious Manufacturing and Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology Degree program

Cleveland, OH – The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) announced today that it has finalized an agreement with the University of Akron to grant up to 21 college credits to graduates of NTMA-U, the association’s innovative advanced manufacturing skills training program.  The new apprenticeship program, developed with a focus on key industry standards and National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) guidelines, allows NTMA-U graduates to earn college credits through the university’s Manufacturing and Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology Degree program starting in August 2012.

The University of Akron is considered one of the foremost engineering schools in the United States.  NTMA-U is a new program that provides an online curriculum through participating institutions of higher education, and is designed to be completed over a three-year period to allow participants to continue working full time.  The program offers a number of easily accessible, lecture-style YouTube videos on topics such as Shop Theory, Practical Math and Blueprint Reading, Computer Numerical Controlled manufacturing, Statistical Processes and Controls, Geometric Tolerancing and Dimensioning, and Manufacturing Processes.

“We are very excited about the launch of this initiative, which will bring tremendous benefits both to NTMA member companies and the apprentices,” said NTMA Vice President Ken McCreight. “Through NTMA-U, students will gain firsthand knowledge of the many new technologies in manufacturing, including - Interactive CNC Emulators, almost all of ToolingU modules, well over 200 NTMA custom developed You-Tube videos, that will assist the successful apprentice in an understanding of how to apply the learned course outcomes in the highly skilled segments of our industry.  This is a great opportunity for new employees, as well as current employees at NTMA member companies who wish to enhance their skills and prepare themselves to take on future roles.”

The NTMA-affiliated apprentices will be able to access the credits at a significant discount from regular tuition rates. 

McCreight continued, “‘Apprenticeship’ is no longer a word that is looked down upon.  It is once  again a highly regarded career pathway to employment.  The 2009 Skills Gap Report stated that more than 80 percent of U.S. manufacturers report an overall shortage of qualified employees.  As an industry, we must invest in growing our own the talent base.  Unfortunately, many of our members do not have training centers in their regions. That's why NTMA-U on-line curriculum is so important.”

“Workforce development is one of our top priorities,” said NTMA President Dave Tilstone. “The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that repetitive manufacturing career pathways (defined as education coursework and/or training credentials) will decline by more than 10 percent as a share of total workforce, while employment in advanced manufacturing positions has risen by 37 percent.  A number of NTMA members are in the aerospace and defense industry, which has a backlog of production extending to 2030.  These companies must maintain and expand their skilled workforce.  If manufacturing in this country is to prosper in years to come, we will need to ensure the continued availability of highly trained workers.”

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About NTMA:

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NTMA’s over 1,300 member companies design and manufacture special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gages, special machines and precision-machined parts.  Some firms specialize in experimental research and development work as well as rapid prototyping.  Many NTMA members are privately owned small businesses, yet the industry generates sales in excess of $40 billion a year.  NTMA’s mission is to help members of the U.S. precision custom manufacturing industry achieve business success in a global economy through advocacy, advice, networking, information, programs and services.

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