Closing the Skills Gap: MSSC and Amatrol Launch "Skill Boss," a Major Innovation in Workforce Training, with Support from Industry Leaders Including Snap-on, Harley, GE

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), a Washington, D.C-based industry- non-profit, and technical training company Amatrol launched the MSSC CPT + Skill Boss training machine for Certified Production Technicians (CPT) at the 53^rd Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference hosted by SkillsUSA.

"Manufacturing executives have argued for decades, and still argue, that they need more workers with deeper technical and creative problem-solving skills to be competitive in global markets," said Leo Reddy, who leads MSSC to bolster the nation's economic competitiveness. "While we've made progress over the years, much more work needs to be done. That's where the Skill Boss comes in – this is a cost-effective and portable machine that high schools, community colleges and manufacturers can use to train people to excel in an advanced manufacturing environment."

MSSC sets national skill standards for CPT, is endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers and accredited under ISO 17024, the international quality standard for certification bodies. Corporations such as Cummins, Harley Davidson, GE Appliances, Toyota and Walmart specifically seek out and hire people with MSSC certifications.

Jeffersonville, Ind.-based Amatrol, the nation's leading manufacturing technical education provider, designed and built the Skill Boss based on MSSC's CPT standards.

"Manufacturing executives often tell us that they can't find people with requisite skills, yet many companies and schools don't have the financial resources or physical space to build training centers," said Amatrol CEO Paul Perkins. "The computer-controlled, portable Skill Boss, more interactive than a robot and just 20 inches tall, solves that problem. I am also convinced that this exciting trainer will attract many more young people to begin careers in advanced manufacturing."

SkillsUSA partnered with MSSC and Amatrol to introduce the Skill Boss at its 53^rd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville. More than 19,000 people — including students, teachers and business partners —participated in the weeklong event (June 19-23).

"As a longtime supporter of the CPT program, GE Appliances greatly welcomes the Skill Boss hands-on certification component to the CPT training program.  We believe giving students the opportunity to demonstrate what they know is just as important as their knowledge gained through their coursework," states Eric Leef, Executive HR leader of the Supply Chain at GE Appliances, a Haier company. "We applaud the MSSC and Amatrol on working together to develop an accessible classroom tool for CPT students, as well as providing an additional hiring measure for employers."

"The launch of the Skill Boss supports one of our goals to engage young people in gaining the higher skills needed in today's technology-intensive manufacturing world," said Sam Bottum, a SkillsUSA board member and Chief Marketing Officer at Snap-on Incorporated, a global manufacturer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, and systems solutions for professional users.  "At SkillsUSA, we emphasize not only the 'cool factor' of today's high-tech manufacturing jobs but also the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life."

About Manufacturing Skill Standards Council
MSSC is the nation's leading certification body for the core technical competencies needed for front-line work in both advanced manufacturing and logistics. The Washington, D.C.-based non-profit prepares individuals to earn a Certified Production Technician (CPT) or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification demonstrating highly sought-after skills and knowledge. MSSC delivers training and testing through a network of some 1,880 MSSC-trained instructors and 1,050 assessment and training centers, located primarily at community colleges and high schools in 49 states. It also publishes the semi-annual Manufacturing and Logistics Skill Index that ranks states by the number of people with CPT and CLT credentials, thus helping companies decide where to locate a factory or distribution center. For more info, visit www.msscusa.org.

About Amatrol
Amatrol creates innovative, interactive learning solutions for industry and education to equip people with the skills to master technical systems, solve problems and adapt to a rapidly changing workplace. Comprehensive learning programs range from engaging high school students in the learning of basic science and math to mastery of highly sophisticated motor drives. The company distinguishes itself through hands-on and computer-based learning directly reflecting industry's workforce needs. Amatrol's learning solutions include interactive multimedia as well as print-based student learning materials, virtual trainers, teacher's guides, industrial quality hands-on training equipment, and instructor training. Visit www.amatrol.com for more information.

About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a vital solution to the growing U.S. skills gap. This nonprofit partnership of students, instructors and industry ensures America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive. Founded in 1965 and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, the association serves more than 335,000 students and instructors each year in middle schools, high schools and colleges. This diverse talent pipeline covers 130 trades, technical and skilled service occupations, the majority STEM-related. More than 600 corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA at the national level. SkillsUSA programs are integrated into career and technical education through the SkillsUSA Framework of personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. Local, state and national championships, designed and judged by industry, set relevant standards for career and technical education and provide recognition to students. The 2017 SkillsUSA Championships—the nation's largest showcase for career and technical education with 100 unique student competitions— will be held June 19-23 in Louisville, Ky. SkillsUSA also offers technical skill assessments and other workplace credentials. For more information, visit: www.SkillsUSA.org.

Media Contact:
Dina Igoe
[email protected]
202-739-9000, ext. 2226

SOURCE MSSC

Related Links

http://www.msscusa.org