Alamo Colleges to Participate in NAM Grant

Alamo Colleges Selected to Share in National Manufacturing Certification Program Grant

The Alamo Colleges have been selected to participate in a National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) grant for implementing industry-driven advanced manufacturing certification programs. One college in each of three other states was also selected to take part in the national pilot of the $1.5 million Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant.

As a result of the NAM/Gates grant Alamo Colleges will be eligible for pilot funds to adopt Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC), National Institute for Metalworker Skills (NIMS) and American College Testing Program (ACT) job readiness certification modules.

The NAM-Endorsed National Skills Certification System initially focuses on the core, basic skills required for entry-level workers in all sectors of manufacturing, from alternative energy and computers to aerospace and life-saving pharmaceuticals. These integrated educational programs in community colleges will prepare students, particularly low-income young adults and transitioning workers, with entry-level skills necessary to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers. The skills certifications address personal and academic skills, general workplace skills and manufacturing industry-wide technical skills. Entry-level science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are included in the system.
The grant monies will have a direct impact on two academies operated by the Alamo Colleges, which provide education, experience and job opportunities for high school students looking to jump-start their future. The academies provide two-year training and internship programs that introduce qualified students to career opportunities in key industries while providing a seamless transition from high school to college to the workplace. They are the Alamo Area Aerospace Academy and the Manufacturing Technology Academy.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected to participate in this pilot grant program,” said Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Bruce H. Leslie. “The San Antonio Manufacturers Association (SAMA) and the advanced manufacturing industry are playing a very significant role in helping us to improve our training programs and to recruit students for our academies. Because of this pilot program, and our strong partnerships with manufacturing and industry, we are well on our way to offering validated ‘world class’ certification training systems.”



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Manufacturing a leading contributor to regional economy

John M. Dewey, a member of the SAMA Board of Directors and Vice President for Operations at Instruments Technology Machinery (ITM), said: "The San Antonio Manufacturers Association is pleased to have our community selected as one of the national recipients of this program. Manufacturing is a major contributor to our regional economy, second only to the bio-medical industry with regard to economic impact. SAMA applauds the joint efforts by the SAMA Workforce Development Corporation, NAM, the Alamo Colleges and the Gates Foundation for this proactive initiative to provide qualified, skilled manufacturing employees to benefit both our community and our Industry."


Garry Cardwell, chair of the Board of Directors of the SAMA Workforce Development Corporation said: "We are extremely excited that the San Antonio region will be an early adopter of the NAM skill based certification program. It's just what our young people need to be able to enter into higher paying manufacturing jobs, and it will give our manufacturers greater confidence that these new hires will bring the necessary technical skills and workplace behaviors from day one on the job. It's a win-win for sustained economic development in the area."
Alamo Colleges is currently in discussion with NAM on the amount that will be allocated. The four colleges selected nationally will share proportionally based on the $1.5 million the Gates Foundation donated to the National Association of Manufacturers.