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NIMS
-- What It Is and How It Benefits You NIMS
– the National Institute for Metalworking Skills – is a nonprofit
organization formed in 1995 by a consortium of metalworking trade
associations to support the development of a skilled workforce for the
metalworking industry in the United States.
This is accomplished through three initiatives: 1.
Develop, validate, and maintain skill standards for each
metalworking industry sector 2.
Credential the skills of individuals to the skill standards
through performance and written assessments 3.
Accredit training programs that train to the skill standards and
meet NIMS quality requirements What
are Industry Skill Standards? Skill
standards measure the performance of employees and training programs,
much like financial statements measure the performance of companies and
ISO and QS standards measure the performance of products. Industry skill standards define competencies for workers in
the metalworking industry by describing common duties and
knowledge, skills, abilities, and related attributes needed to perform
the duties well. Industry
employees, not academicians, develop and maintain these standards. Skill
standards are benchmarks that: ·
Communicate what a person
must know and should be able to do in order to perform a job
successfully based on industry-defined competencies ·
Provide a viable solution
for addressing the skills gap facing our industry ·
Provide a common language
of quality and expectations ·
Provide a path for
continuous learning for careers in metalworking What’s In It for You . . . The Benefits of Implementing Skill StandardsFor Employers
Quality related benefits
·
provide measurable
assurance of quality performance ·
customers see a company
committed to training and continuous improvement of both the operation
and individuals ·
increases confidence that
job was done right the first time ·
supports quality standards
documentation (e.g. ISO, QS) ·
Skill standards are a tool
for complying with ISO and QS training elements. A key question asked by quality assessors and by customers
auditing potential suppliers prior to awarding a contract is:
“Do qualifications for jobs affecting quality include
identification of appropriate education, training needs, and experience?
Skill standards elements correlate with many of the ISO and QS
elements. Production related benefits
·
decreased costs; skill
standards reduce scrap, rejects, rehandling, damage, and retraining ·
improved productivity ·
fewer safety and liability
claims ·
reduced customer returns
and complaints ·
less downtime, higher
utilization rates & efficiency ·
improved set-up time &
material usage ·
better cycle time ·
customers have competitive
advantage because of improved supplier performance Marketing and sales related benefits
·
employers with credentialed
workers demonstrate a quality workforce and commitment to training and
excellence ·
credentialed workers are
consistent with and support ISO and QS certification achievement ·
hiring and employing
credentialed people earns credibility in the marketplace as being a
competency-driven company ·
employers who match skills
standards to current methods of manufacturing will stay ahead of the
competition ·
employers can use the NIMS
logo on their marketing materials, websites to promote their use of
skill standards Workforce related benefits
·
reduced cost of hiring and
screening; know verified applicant skills prior to interview ·
reduced cost of “bad
hires” ·
reduce employee turnover ·
promote consistent
standards of employee performance ·
increase promotional
opportunities ·
attract better qualified
and motivated employees ·
enhance morale, improving
productivity and stability ·
provide a baseline for
employers to diagnose employee deficiencies and strengths ·
nationally recognized
criteria for hiring and advancement ·
standards are a way to
define and implement a pay-for-skill program ·
standards encourage upgrade
in skill development ·
standards are the basis for
developing job descriptions and performance appraisal systems Industry related benefits
·
metalworking industry is
recognized as a leader in training and competence ·
focus on career potential
of precision metalworking ·
promote competent machinery
and equipment use ·
increases pool of skilled
workers—as standards gain acceptance, competency levels will generally
increase For Employees and Trainees
·
credentialing to standards
is proof of job knowledge ·
“licensing” for
employees ·
credentialing shows
leadership among peers ·
credentials are portables
and recognized nationwide How
to Implement Skill Standards in Your Shop ·
Educate yourself on the
credentials available and the skills and knowledge they represent ·
Urge your employees to earn
credentials ·
Ask for NIMS credentials in
your employment ads ·
Implement a pay-for-skills
program in your shop Where
to Go for More Information? ·
Contact Angelia Erbaugh at
DTMA for detailed information on credentials, credentialing testing
process, samples of employment ads, and samples of pay-for-skills
programs. · Contact NIMS at www.nims-skills.org.
What’s Involved When
NIMS parts are received at the DTMA office, three of the MET-TEC
volunteers are called to meet at Sinclair to inspect the parts.
The amount of time needed varies with the number of parts, but
each inspection session should take no more than two hours.
Assuming a pool of 10 volunteers, and using three volunteers for
each session, your involvement will consist of approximately one
two-hour session every three months or so.
Sinclair’s inspection facilities will be used to conduct the
inspection. Who Can Serve on a MET-TEC Members
of the MET-TEC must come from metalworking companies and consist of
managers, supervisors, metalworkers, and/or quality control personnel. Each member should have a minimum of seven years’
experience in the metalworking industry. DTMA
chose to put together a MET-TEC so that you don’t have to do one in
your shop; we’ll worry about it, so you don’t need to.
Please strongly consider participating.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Angelia Erbaugh at
the DTMA office at (937) 512-3862 or angelia@dtma.org.
Gerstner Tool Chest Available to NIMS Credential Holders Legendary manufacturers of premier tool chests, Gerstner & Sons have partnered with NIMS to introduce an exclusive offer for NIMS credential holders. The Certified NIMS Edition Gerstner Chest is the standard for quality and workmanship and honors the achievements of today’s highly skilled metalworkers.
Gerstner & Sons offers two exclusive models to NIMS credential holders. Each chest carries a personalized brass nameplate with the NIMS insignia and a complementary Deluxe Tool Chest Cover. · Model GI-532 NIMS Edition Tech-Series in American Red Oak · Model M92-XL NIMS Edition Pro-Series in Mahogany
“The Gerstner Tool Chest is the benchmark of the American machinist,” said NIMS President Paul Huber. “They are proudly displayed on their workbenches.”
These hardwood chests are the legacy of a 99 year old company. Gerstner & Sons was born in 1906 in Dayton, Ohio, where the company remains to this day. Founded by Harry Gerstner, a woodworker who found a niche market for top quality tool chests, Gerstner & Sons has operated from its present location since 1913. Originally designed for function over form, the unique look of the Gerstner chest has embossed itself on the metalworking industry as the premiere brand of tool chest. A Gerstner Chest owner is one who appreciates quality workmanship and employers can recognize that a Gerstner Chest owner is a quality tradesperson who takes pride in their work.
“We often hear the expression, ‘You’re not a toolmaker until you own a Gerstner,’” said Gerstner & Sons President Jack Campbell. “Now metalworking professionals who have earned their NIMS certification have a visible means to display their skills and achievements to their peers in the industry, their supervisors, company management, and customers alike.”
NIMS credential holders can place an order by calling Gerstner & Sons at (800)888-5269. A brochure with pictures and dimensions are available at www.nims-skills.org.
For more information regarding NIMS, contact NIMS directly at www.nims-skills.org or 703-352-4971, or contact Angelia Erbaugh at the DTMA office. |
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