The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) was founded to develop and maintain a globally competitive workforce. NIMS sets standards for skills in the industry, certifies individuals, and accredits training program to produce a strong, skilled workforce. You can check out the NIMS network here to locate regionally accredited training programs and register your organization.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) call themselves the ‘intersection of manufacturing technology and workforce development.’ They connect people passionate about manufacturing to inspire the next generation of manufacturing workers. Their core focus is on introducing technology at the forefront of the field while providing tools and resources to help individuals advance in their field. Their resources include online training, courses, and certification. Their Workforce Development Program is particularly promising—serving to supply the manufacturing world with a strong generation of young workers 

The Fabrication and Manufacturing Association (FMA) is a professional education association that serves the metal processing, forming, and fabricating industry. On their site, you can find a slew of educational resources, a well-populated job board, conferences, training, webinars, and more.  

Vocademy is known as the world’s first education-focused maker space. Their classes promise to make an expert of a beginner, providing everything from maker skills and shop class for all ages. They provide students a place where they can find their skill, passion, and path in life. Check out their site for information on classes near you. 

California’s Employment Training Panels (ETP) provides ‘funding to employers to assist in upgrading the skills of their workers’. Their training leads to well-paying, long-term jobs.  If you want to partner with government funds to build your current manufacturing workforce’s skills, ETP is an excellent program to model after.

Workshops for Warriors trains, certifies, and places veterans with great jobs. They are a state-licensed, board-governed, fully audited 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps place Veterans, Wounded Warriors, and Transitioning Service Members into advanced manufacturing careers. 

National Tooling and Manufacturing Association (NTMA) focuses on preparing students for futures in manufacturing and STEM careers. They closely associate with the Maker Movement and host and provide a range of educational resources to bringing more opportunity to young students.

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