Organizational example:
Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education
Name |
Georgia’s Certified Manufacturing Specialist Program |
Program Purpose |
To develop a standard pre-employment program to help prepare candidates for entry-level jobs in manufacturing |
Program Description |
The Georgia Department of Technical/Adult Education (DTAE) convened a series of focus group meetings with manufacturers. The employers were asked whether it would be feasible to identify a common set of “threshold skills” that are required of any new entry-level worker. This set of skills could then guide a training program for jobseekers. The employers loved the idea, and many started to work together on the design of the program. The program now provides a wide range of education and training opportunities to its CMS students, including Introduction to Manufacturing, Introduction to Business Principles, Quality and Productivity, Basic Manufacturing Skills, Manufacturing Skills, Computers and Automation Principles, and Workplace Skills. |
Progress |
The Certified Manufacturing Specialist Program (CMS) began in 1997. In the first two years, the program enrolled more than 3,000 individuals. As of April 2004, the number of participants certified totaled 6,233. The DTAE has also launched similar initiatives for customer service jobs and warehousing and distribution jobs. |
Contact Information |
DTAE’s Quick Start Program |
Information from Bosworth, 2003 and from the program’s website.