To help pave the way for those with specialized manufacturing skills looking to add sustainability to their body of knowledge, SME is collaborating with Purdue University’s Technical Assistance Program to develop the Green Manufacturing Specialist Certificate.
The Purdue TAP curriculum focuses on such topics as sustainable manufacturing, energy efficiency, water conservation, reuse and recycling, designing for the environment and how different pollutants affect the environment.
The program came together as part of a U.S. Department of Labor funded program in North Central Indiana. "Our goal was to provide training that would help people become more effective in their existing jobs or help them transition to jobs with new companies in emerging 'green' industries," said Ethan Rogers, manager energy efficiency services, Purdue University TAP.
And while there are other green programs available, Rogers said "no other program offers validation that a student has a comprehensive understanding of the many topics that comprise sustainable manufacturing. This is valuable to potential employers and by extension to students."
The partnership includes SME developing an accompanying exam or outcome-based assessment, which will be tested by participants in the Purdue TAP green work force training program. Upon successful testing in Indiana, SME will offer the exam nationwide.
Beyond a broad course of study, the Green Certificate also offers varying levels of learning intensity. "The generalist level is intended to provide awareness, while the specialist level is intended to create project champions who have a more comprehensive body of knowledge," said Rogers. "Upon completion of the six specialist modules, they are ready to sit for the SME exam and earn an SME certificate."
For more information, visit www.mep.purdue.edu.
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