In conjunction with Manufacturing Day at the Capitol, the collaborators announced Monday a partnership among the Nebraska State Chamber Foundation, the state’s six community colleges, and the Department of Labor, to deliver modular, employer-based training to students or existing workers to earn Level 1 Manufacturing Certifications.
The program establishes a statewide, stackable entry-level Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance Credential that verifies manufacturing skills and creates a consistent industry-recognized standard across Nebraska. It establishes the community colleges as registered apprenticeship hubs, supports curriculum development for the credential, funds instructional designers, instructors, and skills coaches; helps purchase equipment and support student success at the colleges.
The credential consists of eight modules focused on manufacturing skills: Workplace Safety and OSHA Concepts; Quality Control and Defect Identification; Daily Readiness and Personal Responsibility; Introduction to Manufacturing Metrics; Tool Use, Gauging, Basic Math and Blueprint Reading; Workplace Communication and Teamwork; Problem Solving and Critical Thinking; and Foundations of Lean Manufacturing.
Each of Nebraska’s community colleges are participating: Southeast, Northeast, Mid-Plains, Central, Metro and Western. The colleges will employ apprenticeship coordinators, career skills coaches, instructors, curriculum and instructional designers, and purchase training equipment and support exam fees for students earning the credential.
In addition to taking the courses tuition-free, students receive stipends for participating in them. The credential can be completed in 6-8 weeks by attending one class per week. Additionally, students can go on to earn Level 2 or 3 manufacturing certificates.
Students participating can be youth or high-school-aged learners, adults studying for their GED, or high school graduates and industry professionals wanting to “upskill” or learn new technologies. Upskilling can earn workers higher wages and promotion.
Funding for the $7 million project is from the state’s Workforce Development Program Cash Fund.
Prospective students interested in enrolling should contact their community college. Manufacturers wanting to learn more can contact the NE Chamber.
