TMA and Bethel New Life Celebrate Advanced Manufacturing Graduates
(Schaumburg, IL), The Technology & Manufacturing Association of Illinois, along with Bethel New Life celebrated the graduation of 14 students from their Advanced Manufacturing Program on January 23rd.. TMA recently launched this initiative with Bethel New Life, a Chicago non-profit and TMA member. Founded in 1979 with a mission to transform the West Side of Chicago, Bethel has been at the forefront with effective programs for its communities which include: Austin, West and East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and North Lawndale. "TMA is pleased to be a part of this innovative and forward looking program," stated TMA Chairman Brian Panek. "We are providing people with skills that will lead to potential life-long careers in manufacturing," he added.
Bethel New Life offers an Advanced Manufacturing Training program for West Side residents that trains over 100 participants each year. The program consists of academic skills enhancement and support using precision teaching and fluency-based instruction, individualized self-guided academic and work skills training through Work Keys, Employment Readiness Training based upon the nationally recognized Equipped for the Future curriculum. The program also incorporates financial literacy education and Advanced Manufacturing skills training during the 16-week program. Participants earn three high-demand CNC credentials in lathe, mill, and safety; and acquire the necessary National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certifications.
Through a robust industry partnership with TMA, Bethel is able to assure that participants receive instruction from top-ranked nationally recognized instructors as well as have access to TMA's nearly 1000 manufacturer members. Targeted, industry-specific training producing NIMS certified CNC credentials; access to manufacturers who are looking to hire individuals with these credentials, and substantive support to assure that academic and work skills are aligned with a professional skilled job creates tremendous positive result. "Our approach is access to opportunity," said Edward Coleman, Bethel New Life Vice President of Community Economic Development. "It is a sustainable model that gives people the tools and opportunities needed to become a contributing part of their community. TMA sees the value in that approach, and that makes this partnership ideal."
TMA's CNC training is key to the success of the program. "Our lab is cutting-edge. We prepare program participants to earn NIMS CNC credentials," said Patrick Osborne, Vice President of Training and Education at TMA. "The participants in the Bethel New Life program are driven, professional and have real goals. By preparing them to become NIMS CNC certified, we eliminate what could be a real barrier to their career goals and the life they are willing to work for."
About TMA: 8 small manufacturing companies who thought they could better themselves by associating with one another founded TMA in 1925. Through the years, members established programs and services that would help their businesses grow and prosper, train their employees, and provide medical and retirement benefits. As a result of these efforts, TMA has grown into a nearly 1,000 member not-for-profit organization representing more than 30,000 employees of precision manufacturing and supplier companies throughout Illinois.