MSSC Partners with HCC to Meet Workforce Needs of Houston Employers

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The combination of high unemployment among recent high school and college graduates, retiring baby boomers and the ever-increasing use of advanced technology in both manufacturing and logistics means that communities who wish to attract and retain companies must have a skilled workforce.  Today, Mr. Leo Reddy, CEO of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and Renee Byas, Houston Community College (HCC) Acting Chancellor, formalized a partnership to address this need.

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HCC currently offers MSSC's Certified Logistics Technician (CLT_AE) certification.  This new his partnership will add the Certified Production Technician (CPT_AE) to HCC's AAS in manufacturing degree program.  These certifications will help students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be competitive in Houston's job market.

"This partnership is a historically significant event for HCC and the Houston Community," remarked Acting Chancellor Byas.  "The Greater Houston Partnership lists Houston as the number one manufacturing city in the country.  Through this partnership, Houston's manufacturing industries will have direct input in the kind of training they need for their employees. HCC and MSSC working together will develop the programs needed to certify the workforce, giving local businesses the skilled employee pool they need."

"MSSC is delighted to work with Houston Community College to provide industry-recognized, national certifications to meet the workforce skill needs in the dynamic, rapidly growing Houston area for both manufacturing and logistics (M&L)," said Mr. Reddy. "The closely integrated industries of M&L, together represent one-third of the heavily industrialized Texas economy, well above the national average of 27%."

About MSSC
MSSC is an industry-led training, assessment and certification organization focused on the industry-wide core technical competenciesneeded by the nation's frontline production and material handling workers.  The nationwide MSSC certifications, based upon industry-defined and federally endorsed national skill standards, offer both entry-level and incumbent workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and skills increasingly needed in the technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century.  For more information, visit www.msscusa.org.

About HCC
HCC is one of the country's largest single-accredited, open-admission community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities for 70,000 students each semester. HCC is composed of six colleges that serve the Greater Houston Area's diverse communities by preparing individuals to live and work in today's increasingly international and technological society.  To learn more go to www.hccs.edu.

CONTACT:
Tina Driessen
(703) 739-9000 x2223
Email

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SOURCE Manufacturing Skill Standards Council