MSSC CPT Certification on the rise in Florida

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is an industry-led training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s top production workers. The nationwide MSSC System offers entry-level and incumbent workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills needed in the technology-intensive jobs of today. MSSC offers two certifications: a Certified Production Technician (CPT) and a Certified Logistics Technician (CLT).

The CPT Certification addresses the core technical capabilities of higher skilled production workers in all areas of manufacturing. MSSC awards a full Certified Production Technician (CPT) Certification to individuals who pass all four course modules: Safety; Quality Practices & Measurement; Manufacturing Processes & Production and Maintenance Awareness. A CPT Certification equates to 15 college credits. 

In Florida, community organizations are working with economic development organizations to provide MSSC CPT Training for their clients. Given the statewide need for skilled manufacturing workers, many of the participants of these programs are securing jobs in manufacturing facilities and are now part of the Florida's manufacturing workforce.

Recently, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) has aligned with eight local churches to celebrate recipients of MSSC CPT Certifications. The EDC and a local group called The Pastor’s Community Alliance had nine graduates with CPT and IPC soldering certification. Six of the nine received jobs at a local manufacturing company. 

Also in Florida, The Centre for Women located in Hillsborough County is offering a CPT Training course for women who wish to become CPT Certified. The course is intensive and lasts three weeks. The class is hosted by the Women’s Centre in partnership with Hillsborough Community College, which identifies companies that will hire the women after they earn their certification. The program is part of an initiative by the Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County, with the help of local manufacturers, to build a pipeline of much-needed talent in the area’s manufacturing sector.

According to Glenn Goonis, instructor from the Women’s Centre CPT Training course, “the program was offered at the Centre to provide a nationally recognized certification in manufacturing to a group who were looking to upskill and reenter the workforce in a sector that offers far better wages and benefits than the average sectors in our great state. The course was paid for through a partnership with the Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County."

Goonis also shared some stories about notable students: “Two of our learners, who were Puerto Rican and, as non-native English speakers faced some language challenges -- 

Photo by Julie Branaman

had extensive manufacturing experience from employers in Minnesota, and their colorful stories brought to life some of the concepts we were studying. They were currently working at a local hotel as valets and in the kitchen, and brought in food every morning to share with the class. They also worked nights and weekends to make up for the time they were spending in class. Their work ethic and sense of community set the curve for the class. One of our learners was new to the United States. Originally from Nigeria, she was an attorney in her home country. Unable to find work in her field here, she was hoping to start a new career working in manufacturing. Her stories of Nigeria and the challenges there were awe-inspiring.”

To read more information about the EDC and Pastor’s Alliance partnership, please click here. To read more information on the Women’s Centre and the CPT courses offered there, please click here. For more information about MSSC and how to become certified, please visit their certification webpage, or contact Dr. Marilyn Barger, Executive Director for FLATE, at barger@fl-ate.org. Visit FLATE’s webpage regarding MSSC Training here.