MANUFACTURING SKILL PANEL

Partnering for Today's and Tomorrow's Workforce The Manufacturing Skill Panel brings together industry leaders to establish goals and launch new projects.

Background

Skill (Securing Key Industry Leadership for Learning) is an initiative approved by the 2000 Washington State Legislature to engage industry and education in strategies to close skill gaps. In the fall of 2003, Shoreline Community College received state funding to establish the Center for Manufacturing Excellence as a vehicle for this collaborative initiative in the manufacturing field.

The Manufacturing Skill Panel was formed to oversee and direct the Center’s activities. Currently, representatives of 26 industry and industry associations, 11 educational institutions, and 4 government/labor groups meet periodically to review current project outcomes and address new issues of importance to the health of area manufacturers.

Activities

The Center for Manufacturing Excellence plays a crucial role in supporting the State’s manufacturing industry. Closely guided by employer input, the Center works with partner institutions to ensure relevance, effectiveness and availability of certificate and degree programs necessary to create a qualified manufacturing workforce. The Center also assists employers who seek customized training to enhance the skills of their current employees, and maintains a flow of information to keep industry partners informed and connected.

Industry, education, government and labor organizations work in partnership through Skill Panel committees. The focus of the committees changes from time to time to address emerging needs, and has included:

• Curriculum and articulation
• Assessment and certification
• Marketing and special projects

How to Get Involved

The Center welcomes inquiries about Skill Panel membership. To learn more about the roles and responsibilities of this industry-driven effort, contact Phil Savereux, Center Director, at Shoreline Community College.