MSSC Incumbent Worker Training - A Win-Win Situation

Helping employers connect to training opportunities for incumbent workers is an important aspect of WRTP/BIG STEP’s industry outreach. With skill enhancement to the workforce, it’s a classic win-win situation for the manufacturer and the workers.

In February, labor leaders from area manufacturers attended an information session held at WRTP/BIG STEP on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council certification. Through a grant funded by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, area labor leaders and dislocated workers will be able to attend training to upgrade their skills and earn the MSSC certificate. Industry coordinator Joe Nicosia has recruited a class of labor leaders and a class of dislocated workers to attend the trainings facilitated by Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Classes start this month. Employees from Master Lock, Pure Power Technologies, GE Healthcare, as well as students from WRTP/BIG STEP’s and Milwaukee Gear’s CNC class will participate.

For those already employed, gaining this certification can mean an increase in pay. Master Lock, for example, gives employees a $.50 raise for each module completed, which could mean up to a $2 increase for an employee if all four modules are completed.

That’s a great incentive and reflects the increase in skills and knowledge for the employee, says Grace Maizonet, president of UAW Local 469 at Master Lock.

“This certification is great for many reasons,” says Grace. “It improves career advancement and earnings and can offer the flexibility to work in other manufacturing arenas.”

MSSC is an industry-recognized certification that contains four modules for production workers:

Safety
Quality Practices & Measurement
Manufacturing Processes and Production
Maintenance Awareness

This certification is available to entry-level as well as incumbent workers. It’s another example of how employers and workers benefit from upgrades to the workforce. For employers, it means a more skilled workforce and new opportunities to compete. For workers, it’s a valuable credential that can make them more employable or can help advance their career.

Win-win.

Find out more about Manufacturing Skill Standards Council certification.