PMPA Awards Grants Supporting Machining Education Program

The Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) Education Foundation has awarded two grants to institutions in Ohio to cover the credentialing cost of offering the Right Skills Now (RSN) precision machining program. The grants support the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentialing program at Lorain County Community College and Stark State College of Technology as they launch the RSN program. Through this initiative, students at the two schools will be able to earn four industry-recognized NIMS certifications.

“This is just the start of the Educational Foundation’s support of Right Skills Now,” says Dave Knuepfer, president of the PMPA Education Foundation. “We are looking forward to helping more institutions qualify to issue Right Skills Now credentials and provide the skilled workforce that is needed in all of our shops. As other institutions adopt the RSN program we will consider supporting them with the same level of support.”

According to the PMPA, RSN is a fast-track solution to providing highly-skilled, certified talent to the shop floor. Students enrolled in such institutions as Lorain County Community College’s or Stark State’s RSN program will complete 16 to 24 weeks of coursework intended to provide them with the knowledge and skills demanded in precision machining careers. At the end of each course, students complete performance and theory assessments to obtain four industry-recognized NIMS credentials and enter into internships with local employers. Depending on the area of study, students can also receive as many as 20 credits towards an associate or bachelor’s degree.