An event this summer will help raise the bar for manufacturing and logistics firms and their workers. Presented by Ready Indiana, the Indiana Manufacturing and Logistics Skills Conference will take place June 17.

Top Hoosier manufacturing and logistics sector employers, a representative from the U.S. Department of Labor and other community players will participate in the event with one goal - to accelerate the use of the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council's (MSSC) national certifications for front-line workers in manufacturing and logistics in Indiana.

The MSSC credentials are based on standards endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) as part of its skill certification system. 

"The beauty of the NAM system, of which MSSC is the second tier, is that it connects the dots from entry-level skills verification for all sectors of manufacturing to more specialized technical certification," explains Kris Deckard, Ready Indiana executive director.  "Workforce development research has shown that individuals are more likely to persist in education, and ultimately degree completion, if they experience achievement sooner in the educational process; the NAM system of ‘stackable' credentials leading to an associate degree provides exactly that."

The conference will begin with the MSSC Indiana VIP Leadership Meeting and Luncheon featuring an open discussion of the certifications in manufacturing (Certified Production Technician - CPT) and logistics (Certified Logistics Technician - CLT), and their potential impact on employee recruitment, workforce culture and the manufacturing talent pipeline.  

Luncheon keynote speaker will be Jane Oates, assistant secretary for Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. She is responsible for administering the added job training funds in President Barack Obama's stimulus package.

Following the luncheon will be a community dialogue where expert panels of employers, educators and community leaders will address use of MSSC certifications for recruiting, retention and improved productivity; MSSC training in secondary and postsecondary education; and creating a state of readiness for MSSC in a region through public-private partnerships.

"MSSC has made progress in Indiana at the business, community college and high school levels, but increased employer awareness of this training and certification program statewide would help raise the skill levels of the Indiana industrial process," Deckard notes. "Some employers believe strongly in the value of certification - beyond what's mandatory - and understand the potential impact at the organizational level. This event will allow Indiana leaders to facilitate that process."

The VIP leadership meeting and luncheon will be 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Conference Center in downtown Indianapolis; the community dialogue will immediately follow until 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency downtown. 

In addition to Ready Indiana, the event is sponsored by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana Manufacturers Association and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Purdue University.

More information and registration is available online or by calling (866) 444-1082.