Curriculum That Works

The challenge of training students for the workforce

Jobs exist in the marketplace.

But employers will tell you, they want to hire people who have the right training and who understand how a business or manufacturing company operates.

There are basically two main tracks leading to a career in today's technical and manufacturing companies: 

• Community College
• Four-Year College

In education today, there are many students who are great at being generalists. There are students who can fly through a four-year college, but have no skills at the end of their education. 

The employer is then left with training students with on-the-job training and skills.

The problem is that more students need to complete training in both job-related curriculum (what the employer needs employees to do), as well as having a solid handle on "soft skills."

Students without soft skills such as reading for information, following directions, basic addition/subtraction, presentation and communication ability - who aren't able to pass basic assessments - aren't good enough anymore. 

Industry is guiding us by saying “Don’t send anyone unless they have the soft skills,” says Mary Kaye Bredeson, director.

Developing curriculum that works

Call to action to recognize a standardization of curriculum and skills

Skilled certifications exist and are becoming more widespread. One example is through the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). It is imperative that more students receive training in career and technical education with a job skills focus. Additionally, certifications like NAM are teaching the soft skills needed for the workplace. There is a standard of measurement that will ensure that not only do students understand the curriculum in their field of study, but they can also work with teams, give presentations, and demonstrate professional skills. 

General skills certifications now being required in addition to skills-focused curriculum

For students not going onto the college prep track, professional technical training is a great option. Much of this training offers job specific curriculum along with an Advisory Board that will help guide the development of future curriculum. 

Many manufacturers now require a National Career Readiness Certification that includes things like: 

• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Reading for information

Manufacturers have found that many students are not prepared with basic interpersonal and problem solving skills when applying for work.

Additionally, WorkSource now offers certification through ACT's WorkKeys. It is a Ready To Work Certification that measures foundational, soft skills, and conducts specialized assessments.

ACT promotes college and workforce readiness measurement – getting people ready to work through a nationwide initiative that links skills to job requirements. Ultimately, the goal is producing a high performance workforce.

Center of Excellence is aligning with NAM Standards 

Through our work with industry in curriculum development, we are now including readiness and certification standards through the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute. These standards communicate 

• Educational pathways
• Certification requirements
• Career opportunities

for those students who complete certification.

For many aerospace and advanced materials manufacturing training programs, the curriculum is already developed. Colleges will need to review and adopt the material, and then seek NAM Certification. The benefit for manufacturers and students in seeking certification is that it standardizes knowledge and skills.

Better prepared students, more focus on skills training, and national certifications will increase job-ready employees and better production for manufacturers.