Press Release Headlines

NASCO Board Supports Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Skill Certifications for Both Manufacturing and Logistics (M&L)

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — At its annual meeting, the Board of NASCO—the Strategy for North American Competitiveness–decided to strengthen its platform for workforce skills development.  NASCO's decision goes beyond its previous support for the logistics certification (Certified Logistics Technician – CLT) to add its support for MSSC's manufacturing certification (Certified Production Technician – CPT).

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"MSSC's industry-led, ISO recognized certifications are well aligned with NASCO's international scope and membership network from both manufacturing and logistics industries," according to NASCO Board Chair Gerry Schwebel.

"We welcome NASCO's recognition of the value of a common industry certification to close the skills gap throughout North America for the front-line M&L workforce," said Leo Reddy, CEO of MSSC.

In reaching this decision, the NASCO Board was motivated by several factors:

The high priority that NASCO has given to workforce development as a key to achieving the high levels of productivity and innovativeness needed to strengthen North American competitiveness.
The reality that M&L are integrally related.  It does little good to make a high quality product unless it is delivered just in time and in good condition to the customer.
The re-shoring of manufacturing is a welcome development, which is increasing demand for skilled workers in both industries.
The surge of oil and gas production due to fracking, from which all three NAFTA countries are benefitting, is contributing as well to bringing manufacturing back to North America.
The common use of both MSSC CPT and CLT certifications will build greater efficiency in the production and transportation of goods throughout the Hemisphere.
About MSSC.  The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is an industry-led, non-profit training, assessment and certification organization focused on the industry-wide core technical competencies needed by the nation's front-line production and material handling workers.  MSSC certifications, based upon industry-defined and federally endorsed national skill standards, enable workers to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and skills increasingly needed in the technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century.  MSSC is the only national certification body accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under ISO quality Standard 17024 (Personnel Certification) for both manufacturing and logistics.  For more information, visit www.msscusa.org.

About NASCO.  NASCO is a non-profit, voluntary coalition of North American governments, businesses and educational institutions, united by a common interest in collaboration along commercial corridors and trade networks. For 20 years, NASCO has been promoting North American competitiveness in the global marketplace.  The NASCO focus is on solutions in the areas of logistics and operational efficiencies, infrastructure needs, skilled workforce training solutions, security and innovative technologies.

CONTACT:
Tina Driessen
MSSC
(703) 739-9000 x2223
Email

CONTACT:
Frank Conde
NASCO
Email