What is NIMS?

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc. (NIMS) is a nonprofit organization [501](c)(3) formed in 1995 to support the development of a skilled work force for the metalworking industry. NIMS support is accomplished through four programmatic activities:

1. developing, writing, validating, and maintaining skill standards for each industry within metalworking;
2. certifying training programs that instruct to the skill standards and meet NIMS quality requirements;
3. credentialing the skills of individuals against the skill standards through performance and written assessments;, and
4. assisting states, schools, and companies to form partnerships to implement the skill standards, achieve program certification, and credential trainees and workers.

What Types of Training Programs Can Be Certified?

There are three basic types of metalworking training programs that may seek NIMS program certification and the recognition it provides: (1) educational, (2) interfirm, and (3) company training programs. Educational training programs include secondary and postsecondary institutions both public and private that are required to be accredited by the appropriate regional agency and approved for operation by the appropriate state administrative entity. Interfirm training programs include those run or coordinated through trade associations, labor union organizations, and other consortia of companies. Company training programs include any formal internal training program developed to train either entry level or experienced metalworkers, or both.

What Does Program Certification Involve?

The purpose of certifying your metalworking training is to improve the quality of training in metalworking and foster partnerships between educators and industry. NIMS sets standards for program content; equipment, tooling, and measuring devices inventory; instructor qualifications; and participitation by advisory bodies. A program interested in certification must meet minimum program content as specified in Policies, Requirements, and Procedures for Certification of Metalworking Training Programs. An interested company or school is required to complete a self-evaluation form focusing on NIMS desired program content. The company or school must also successfully complete an on-site evaluation of their training program, facilities instructors, and administration. NIMS does not specify curriculum or endorse curricular products, and does not provide training in metalworking.

Why Certify Educational Training Programs to NIMS Standards?

NIMS programs bring together educators, companies, and workers and defines through skill standards the skills and competencies the metalworking industry wants and needs. Skill standards also provide educators with a valuable tool to maintain, develop and update their curriculum. NIMS certification status will provide educational institutions with a powerful advertising tool for attracting new enrollments as well as increasing placement of graduates. NIMS advertises and promotes all NIMS certified programs in various metalworking industry magazines, and newsletters at trade shows and other arenas. Student achievements can be certified through the nationally recognized credentialing program with standards accepted and promoted by the metalworking industry.

Why Certify Company Training Programs to NIMS Standards?

Company training programs can benefit from NIMS certification in many ways. NIMS certified programs and skill standards, which are benchmarked to standards in Germany, Japan, and other leading manufacturing countries, provide a valuable tool to assist in developing, maintaining, and updating training curriculums. Company investments in training and the credentialing opportunities for employees can increase productivity and the quality of products they manufacture. Certified company training programs can demonstrate to customers a quality product and workforce as well as meet requirements for training under quality assurance programs such as QS-9000. NIMS skill standards and the credentialing program offer companies a tool to gauge employees for use in promotions and advancements. Skill standards also provide a foundation for implementation of programs such as pay-for-skills and others.

How Is NIMS Funded?

NIMs is supported through contributions form industry organizations and companies, grants from states for technical assistance, and through the sales of its products. Additional support will increase NIMS's ability to promote and improve quality in training programs for preparing metalworkers.

Contributions to NIMS are fully tax deductible under NIMS's 501(c)(3) IRS status.

Where Do I Get More Information?

For more information regarding NIMS Program Certification, or for more information on other ways to become involved in NIMS, or for information on how to contribute to NIMS, call or write:

National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc.

P.O. Box 787
Vienna, VA 22183
http://www.nims-skills.org/
Tel: (703) 281-6110
Fax: (703) 938-4342