Solution II

Solution II: Advance Critical Core Skills for Manufacturing

Goal 1: Conduct and validate research to determine the essential Core Manufacturing Skills (CMS) needed by all manufacturing-related program graduates and incumbent workers
Goal 2: Conduct professional development for faculty on strategies for implementing and teaching core manufacturing skills
Goal 3: Initiate integration of CMS in WTCS manufacturing-related curricula

This project is a partnership with Wisconsin manufacturers to raise the skill levels within the manufacturing sector, responding to the changing needs of employers. Each WTCS manufacturing program will ensure that graduates possess specific critical CMS. CMS are foundational and cross disciplinary skills for all manufacturing workers. They include technical, academic and interpersonal skills which improve productivity, business effectiveness and technology innovation & application.

Progress to Date:

An initial project funded through Moraine Park Technical College conducted the foundational research. This project in conjunction with manufacturing representatives:

Conducted 5 focus groups with 56 manufacturers participating
Identified the top 12 critical core skills from an initial list of 78
Reviewed the core abilities of 99 manufacturing programs across 16 districts
Researched & cross-matched national MSSC Skill Standards
Conducted a 2 day workshop with manufacturing faculty to identify performance indicators

A second project, funded through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College will:

Refine and validate performance indicators for the 12 critical CMS's
Develop infusible learning activity packets (LAP) for each of the 12 CMS's
Develop a standardized assessment tool (certification) for each performance indicator
Conduct train-the-trainer workshops to provide skills and strategies for faculty to teach the CMS

For more information contact the following individuals:

Marcia Arndt
Dean - Manufacturing Technology and Apprenticeship
Moraine Park Technical College
West Bend Campus
(262) 335-5725
marndt@morainepark.edu

Gary L. Morgan
Dean - Trades and Technical Division
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay Campus
(920) 498-5663
gary.morgan@nwtc.edu

Last modified: March 8, 2005