Best Practices

Here's a few examples of successful programs:

Indiana & Vincennes University
Vincennes University's two-year Tool & Die Machine Trades Technology program is highly successful. During the two years, students build three stamping dies incorporating blanking, piercing, cutting, drawing and in-die secondary operations suing progressive die technology. One of more than 150 academic and occupations programs offered at VU, the Tool & Die Program prepares students for employment in machine shops, tool and die companies or tooling departments of metal stamping and manufacturing companies. In addition to 44 credit hours of study in their major, students may earn their two-year associates degree by taking 29 additional credit hours of general education.

For those already in the workforce, the PMA District has partnered with Vincennes University to administer a training program throughout the state for entry-level stamping press operators. Classes take place at 3 PMA member company facilities in northern, southern, and central Indiana. The program is held on 4 consecutive Saturdays for 8 hours each day. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive 2 hours of credit from Vincennes.

Click here to learn more about Vincennes University.

Minnesota & Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Focusing on the skills required for NIMS Metal Stamping Level II credentials, Minneapolis Community & Technical College offers a Stamping Skills-Operations Level II class, which consists of 132 hours of classroom, lab, and on-the-job sessions. This class builds on skills learned in their Stamping Skills-Basic curriculum. The development of two additional courses, Brake Press Operations and Brake Press Set Up, are in the planning stage. MCTC and PMA's Twin Cities District's strong partnership has made this possible. Over 150 individuals have completed Stamping Level I or II in the two years since the program's inception.

PMA's Twin Cities District Education Committee is currently working with MCTC to develop the stamping skills curriculum into larger college credit program which will lead to an associate degree. This highly successful Stamping Skills-Basic class is also being taught at Central Lakes Community College in Brainard, MN.

Click here to learn more about MCTC.

Michigan Technology Education Center (M-TECH), Holland, MI 
Partnering with Grand Rapids Community College, this new technology center, open Fall 2000, offers a unique modular program where open entry/open exit programming and flexible delivery are key. One of eight such technology centers through Michigan, M-TECH has a link to K-12 education where 11th-12th grade students are currently enrolled in their Manufacturing Technologies Program. Programs are based on industry needs and customized if needed. Based on a 90% achievement requirement to move on, student can retake courses if needed until they succeed. 

Northeastern Ohio Manufacturing Awareness Council (NEOMAC)

A metalworking organization has been set up by NEOMAC, a consortium of five organizations whose mission is to "Coordinate & unify efforts of local metalworking associations to promote educational programs & career awareness." 

Calling this organization connects you to someone who knows about the educational programs in Northern Ohio and the metalworking industry--someone who can help an individual match their needs with opportunities offered by local educational institutions. Call 440-259-0011 or check out www.neomac.org.

Contact this organization to:

• Refer high school students & adults who may be interested in a career in machining or manufacturing.

• Refer job applicants who need additional skills to qualify for a position in your company.

• Refer employees that want information on where they can go to upgrade skills.

• Help your industry increase the number of skilled metalworkers in Northeastern Ohio.

 The organizations in the Consortium are: National Tooling & Machining Association (Cleveland Chapter), Precision Machined Products Association (Lake Erie District), Precision Metalforming Association (Cleveland District), Westside Industrial Retention & Expansion Network, and the Greater Cleveland Growth Association.