Whether or not you want to complete any certifications is an important decision to make when planning out your future career plans. Certifications will help you stand out to employers, proving that you have hands-on experience and industry knowledge that can help you adapt to a new job. In this article, we will list possible certifications that are helpful for manufacturing technology majors, and which one is the best fit for you.
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certifications
NIMS certifications are a way to show off your knowledge and skills in manufacturing. Various certifications are available through NIMS, including Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout, CNC Turning Setup & Programming, and CNC Milling. Their focus is on machining.
Rather than simply taking an exam, NIMS certifications happen in two parts: an exam and a performance evaluation. The performance evaluation involves completing a physical project that can then be evaluated to determine your proficiency level.
If the piece does not meet the specified qualifications, you don't get the certification. The most relevant certification and often the first one taken is Measurement, Materials, & Safety.
To complete the certification, you must go through an organization approved by NIMS to administer the written exams and supervise the performance evaluations. Ask your department or instructors whether your program is a registered testing center. If it's not, use the map to find the closest NIMS partner and talk with them about getting accredited.
Although the project component of NIMS requires more time and effort than other certifications, it offers a valuable opportunity to add experience and qualifications to your résumé. Many companies use NIMS certifications to evaluate whether a potential employee is qualified for the job, making it a valuable certification to have in the job market.
American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications
AWS has many certifications available at every step of the career ladder. From hands-on to supervisor and educator certifications, there is an option that fits your career goals. Since these certifications align with real welding standards, they are a good opportunity to measure your own abilities and show you have what it takes to be a good worker.
Each certification has different requirements, so what you're being taught can vary. Do your research and see which path is right for you. One of the first certifications you should consider in the Certified Welder Program, as there are no prerequisites or certifications required. Be sure to check carefully what is required for each certification.
After signing up and submitting an application, you should be able to take your exam/performance test. You will need to be evaluated at an Accredited Test Facility (ATF), so make sure there is one close to you. Remember that preparation is all on you, especially for the Certified Welder position, as it doesn't require any prerequisites.
Certification from the American Welding Society signals to employers that you understand welding and can perform welding tasks effectively. This can be valuable for some manufacturing jobs and irrelevant for others. If you are interested in being a welder, fabricator, robotic welder, or other jobs in a welding-heavy shop, an AWS certification would be a helpful addition to your résumé. If you are more interested in becoming a CNC machinist, CAD engineer, or a similar role, an AWS degree is usually not required. The best way to determine whether you should get an AWS certification is to ask yourself whether you will be working with welding regularly.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 Training
OSHA 10 is less of a certification and more of a training program. It is designed for entry-level workers and teaches safety fundamentals important in the workplace, such as protective equipment, power tool safety, and working with hazardous substances. It shows employers that you have knowledge of important safety procedures and you won't be a liability.
Within OSHA 10, there are two training programs: construction and general industry. For a manufacturing technology major, the program you want to take is the general industry program. The number ten in the name refers to the number of hours it takes to complete the program.
This program is all online and can be completed at any time within six months of your first login. There are various course providers you can choose from, and it is very important that your course is approved by OSHA. If you choose a course that is not your choice, you could end up with a qualification that employers won't accept.
This course will give you safety awareness skills and important knowledge, but will not teach you technical manufacturing skills or specializations. It is designed so that anyone working in a warehouse, manufacturing plant, or factory will know the general workplace safety rules for these environments.
OSHA 10 is recognized as a course that tells employers that you understand manufacturing safety. This can be key for people just entering the job field, especially if you don't have much experience under your belt. While it is a nice addition to your résumé, if you are deciding between an OSHA card and a certification like AIMS, other certifications should take priority.
Conclusion
As you enter the field, certifications are a great way to feel more confident in your skills and add measurable achievements to your résumé. A great course of action would be to find one or two that cover a part of manufacturing technology that you are interested in going into, so that you can be prepared for future jobs you are passionate about.
Sources
Credentialing NIMS
What are NIMS Certifications and how do I obtain them? Lincoln Tech
NIMS Manufacturing Institute
NIMS Network Map Google Maps
Professional Welding Certifications AWS
Certified Welder Program AWS
AWS Welding Certification: Everything You Need to Know Arc Captain
OSHA Outreach 10-Hour Online Training OSHA
OSHA-Authorized Online Outreach Training Providers U.S. Department of Labor