Given the current gaps in the manufacturing sector workforce, there exists a rising need for capable, qualified professionals to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry. In addition to pressing challenges, that need brings with it tremendous opportunities for those willing to continue their growth, and training with Tooling U-SME is your avenue to numerous training and certification options and benefits that will build knowledge, professional competence, and self-confidence.

Whether you’re just beginning your career or a seasoned manufacturing professional, technical certificates will make you a high-value commodity to your employer and position you among the most sought-after individuals in your industry. A variety of technical certifications are available from SME, ranging from additive manufacturing certification, lean certification and more.

Technical Certification

SME certification programs are the industry standard for assessing and acknowledging professional skills and abilities. All SME certification programs are led by experienced manufacturing industry professionals who guide the development and continuous improvement of the various knowledge models.

Certification is available for all stages of a manufacturing career. The Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) focuses on basic manufacturing concepts to develop the individual potential for high-demand, entry-level positions such as production operators, assemblers, and manufacturing associates. The Manufacturing Technologist certification (CMfgT) benefits new and experienced manufacturing engineers who lack other credentials, and the Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) designation is designed for professionals in a leadership position.

Additive Manufacturing Certification

Growth in the additive manufacturing industry is expected to more than double by 2024, and that growth will fuel demand for qualified employees. With technical certificates available at the Fundamentals and Technician levels, workers in additive manufacturing can obtain the necessary skills and knowledge that will drive their companies’ progress. The Fundamentals Certification is suited for individuals working in or seeking to work in additive manufacturing roles in the automotive, aerospace and medical equipment sectors. The Technician level certification is suited for business professionals, engineers, designers or technicians who have a two-year associate degree in additive manufacturing, is currently enrolled in a college program or has one or more years of manufacturing-related work experience.

Lean Certification

Lean manufacturing training and Lean Certification sit atop of the training and certification pyramid.

Newcomers to Lean manufacturing training start at the Bronze level that teaches Lean principles from a tactical perspective by honing baseline skills, abilities and knowledge. Lean Silver is an intermediate standard aimed at professionals with two or more years of leadership experience and combines Lean manufacturing training with leadership skills. Lean Gold focuses on enterprise-level leaders with five or more years of experience who oversee and influence entire business operations and cultures. Each successive Lean level builds upon the one preceding it, increasing the breadth and scope of your knowledge and capabilities.

While setting you apart from the competition and placing you ahead of your peers, the value of professional training and certification goes far beyond what is seen on a resume. Throughout the process, you will learn and apply transformational principles that will change who you are and how you view processes and people.

SME provides a wealth of training and certification opportunities that will take you and your career to not only the next level, but levels you may have never imagined before. The future belongs to those who prepare.