ages the unique expertise and resources of multiple public and private entities from across the nation, including RCBI; Marshall University Research Corp.; the DOL; the National Institute for Metalworking Skills; Tooling U-SME; America Makes; Orbital ATK, Mohawk Industries, Coach & Equipment Manufacturing Corp., and other private industry partners; workforce development agencies; career centers; and com- munity and technical college partners. In the past fi ve years, RCBI has trained more than 3000 workers, many through apprenticeships. RCBI and its partners established a model apprentice-
ship program at Mohawk Industries in Mingo County, West Virginia, using standards approved by the US Department of Labor/Offi ce of Apprenticeship. Through this ongoing effort, Mohawk employees earn while they learn, improving their technical skills while working toward associate degrees. Another ongoing effort has apprentices from several com- panies meeting two evenings a week during non-work hours at the RCBI Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Bridgeport, WV, and Huntington, WV. Classroom and online courses cover areas including safety, manual milling and CNC programming. Apprentices then apply this knowledge during their regular work hours as they learn more specialized skills. This Machinist Apprenticeship Program is “competency- based,” meaning that apprentices progress through the training by mastering particular skills. This enables employers to measure progress and reward individual initiative.
Customized Training
In addition to its DOL-lauded apprenticeship model, RCBI works daily with manufacturers to develop customized pro- grams that meet each company’s individual needs. These programs range from a two-day blueprint read- ing class to a four-year apprenticeship program conducted onsite in a local manufacturer’s shop. Integrating an online curriculum from Tooling U-SME is part of a blended learning approach that also includes OTJ training. Tooling U-SME’s tracking and built-in assessments help companies track students’ accomplishments. The instant feedback along with automated grading and homework as- signments save considerable administrative time for instruc- tors. Tooling U-SME’s online content maps to state, system or program level, and to national credentials including the NAM Skills Certifi cation System, covering certifi cations that include NIMS, AWS, SME and MSSC.
The Tooling U-SME classes are standardized and vetted by subject matter experts. These courses are used by many Fortune 500 companies, which allows instant recognition of the certifi cation and bolsters credibility. Since introducing Tooling U-SME in 2010, RCBI has pro- vided training to more than 400 students who have completed more than 3300 online classes. RCBI boasts a job placement rate of 90-plus percent, a great advantage for its diverse stu- dents—and a testament to the value of the skills they develop at RCBI. About 80% are nontraditional students including veterans, dislocated workers looking for new careers, and underemployed workers seeking better opportunities. RCBI also is committed to enhancing opportunities for women so they can discover the rewarding and lucrative careers available in manufacturing. To build awareness, RCBI works with diverse groups including Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW) and West Virginia Women Work, presents summer camps and participates in career and job fairs that emphasize today’s “new manufacturing.” RCBI remains focused on stimulating interest in entrepre- neurism and “making things” through STEM (Science, Tech- nology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities introduced at an early age. With hands-on learning and outlets for youthful creativity through LEGO robotics events, Maker Festivals and 3D Printing Camps, RCBI is attracting future generations to this exciting industry.
For the United States to thrive in a global economy and expand its manufacturing base, we must continue to pursue and take advantage of innovative approaches that produce a workforce capable of meeting these challenges. By leverag- ing partnerships and leading-edge technology, RCBI oper- ates a unique advanced manufacturing technology center in the Mountain State that delivers innovative technologies and workplace skills training to meet companies’ needs so industry can succeed and grow.
Charlotte Weber, Director & CEO, Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing. As Director & CEO of RCBI, Charlotte Weber oversees a $20 million Advanced Manufactur- ing Technology System across West Virginia that delivers access to leading-edge manu- facturing equipment, hands-on skills training and workforce development initiatives, quality management certifi cation and implementation, and
business development assistance to manufacturers, innovators and entrepreneurs. Weber also serves as Vice President for Federal Pro- grams at Marshall University, coordinating its economic development, technology and research activities.
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