The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is a nonprofit, industry-led training, assessment, and certification organization focused on ensuring that frontline production and material handling technicians are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-intensive jobs. As the demand for skilled workers grows, MSSC and NOCTI/NBS are collaborating to develop industry-recognized credentials that align with industry needs and close the skills gap.
American Manufacturing Is Poised for Growth…
After decades of offshoring and reliance on international supply chains, experts anticipate a resurgence in American manufacturing. “The signs are there,” said Neil Reddy, CEO of MSSC, “and we’re already starting to see some activity tick up in response to reshoring efforts and supply chain investments.”
Reddy noted that increased supply chain costs, potential tariffs, risk management, R&D proximity, and IP vulnerability are driving U.S.-based manufacturers to make strategic investments and expand their operations. Advances in technology, automation, and AI will further drive manufacturing efficiency and productivity, which will help offset some of the labor costs of bringing production back to the U.S.
…But the Latest Workforce Estimates Point to Skills Gap
Projections by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte indicate the U.S. could have 3.8 million new manufacturing jobs by 2033. Among the highest-demand jobs are production technicians, advanced automation technicians, and maintenance personnel. As Industry 4.0 technology becomes more prevalent, skills in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity are increasingly valuable for the modern manufacturing workforce.
“We know that frontline production and logistics workers are crucial for success across all industries,” said Reddy. “Unfortunately, our current education and training infrastructure is not moving at the speed of industry. If current estimates hold true, we could be short about 1.9 million jobs in 2033, which puts trillions of dollars of economic investment at risk.”
Building a skilled workforce has never been more critical as it is the number one factor for foreign investment and U.S. investment in new manufacturing plants.
Longstanding MSSC and NOCTI/NBS Partnership Ensures Skilled Workers Are Ready for Critical Jobs
MSSC’s industry-driven curriculum, training, and certification programs equip technicians with the skills needed to meet growing manufacturing demands and drive workforce success.
In 1997, MSSC won a national competition under the National Skills Standards Act to develop industry standards for production workers in advanced manufacturing. The process involved collaboration with over 700 employers and 2000 workers to identify the crucial skills for success in manufacturing.
Defining standards alone wasn’t enough—employers needed a way to verify workers had the knowledge and skills to meet them. NOCTI/NBS began working with MSSC in 2002 to develop certification assessments for frontline technicians.
As a nationally recognized assessment developer accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), NOCTI/NBS is instrumental in helping MSSC meet rigorous industry quality standards. The assessment development process involves collaboration with subject matter experts to create test questions, pilot testing, psychometric analysis to ensure reliability and validity, and a cut score workshop to establish performance benchmarks. Additionally, NOCTI/NBS supports test delivery, proctor training, and ongoing assessment maintenance and revision for the MSSC program.
MSSC certifies around 30,000 people every year, enabling them to verify their skills and accelerate their manufacturing careers. Certifications are available for secondary and postsecondary programs as well as workforce development initiatives.
MSSC Certifies Frontline Manufacturing and Logistics Technicians
MSSC’s lineup of manufacturing and logistics certification programs include
- Certified Production Technician (CPT)® 4.0 & CPT+ Skill Boss
- Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)® 4.0
- Certified Forklift Technician (CFT)®
- Certified Technician-Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) & Skill Boss-Logistics™
The most recent addition, the Certified Technician-Supply Chain Automation program, prepares learners for rewarding careers in logistics. The program offers three specialized certifications in equipment maintenance, equipment repair, and network repair, making it an excellent option for both students and incumbent workers for career development.
The program was developed in collaboration with the National Science Foundation-funded National Center for Supply Chain Automation (NCSCA), Material Handling Industry (MHI), Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA), Amatrol, and NOCTI/NBS.
“Every MSSC certification is based on industry-recognized proof of skills,” said Reddy. “Because everything we do is based on industry defined and validated standards provided by subject matter experts, certificants and employers can have confidence that they have the necessary skills for success in a highly technical, fast-paced industry.”
MSSC is exploring additional certification programs in advanced manufacturing, including intelligent integrated systems that merge engineering, supply chain, and production to enable increased customization and efficiency.
NOCTI/NBS: A Key Partner In Closing the Skills Gap
NOCTI/NBS is proud to work with MSSC as they continue to set the quality standards for frontline technicians in our nation’s factories, distribution centers, warehouses, and transportation hubs. Assessments are offered through NOCTI/NBS, which offers a streamlined approach for schools and industry partners.
“Our partnership with NOCTI/NBS is an integral component of our success,” said Reddy. “Not only does NOCTI/NBS lend their expertise in developing new certifications, but they also help us maintain our incredibly high standards, which is a key part of maintaining our ISO accreditation. Without partners like NOCTI/NBS, we would not be able to help close the manufacturing skills gap and prepare for the future.”
For more information about MSSC certifications, please visit their website.