National Manufacturing Certification In the Offing

In response to the dearth of qualified applicants for current, technically complex manufacturing jobs in the United States, more than 30 states, supported by federal government and industry partners, are introducing a new national credentialing system for community college students and employers across manufacturing sectors.  The Manufacturing Skills Certification System, in association with certificate-granting entities such as the American Welding Society, is offering a portable, uniform system so that employers will know what they are getting.  This initiative complements the Obama Administration's call for additional funding for manufacturing jobs training; however, not all believe that such efforts are enough - some cite off-shoring as another reason that jobs are not filled.  http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/29/how-to-train-u-s-workers-back-into-manufacturing-jobs/?section=magazines_fortune