Parson promotes manufacturing credential at OTC

During a visit to Ozarks Technical Community College yesterday, Gov. Mike Parson pointed to 500 training opportunities available at two-year higher education institutions around the state.

Parson announced a certified production technician credential would be offered at colleges, such as OTC, that have a standardized Manufacturing Skill Standards Council credential, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“One out of four jobs in Missouri directly supports our strong manufacturing industry," said Parson, who spoke during OTC’s advanced manufacturing job fair, in the release. "It is important we remain focused on building and ensuring that our workforce is prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow. Today, we recognized employers who are committed to taking the steps to ensure that workers are adequately trained and have opportunities to succeed.”

Mardy Leathers, director of the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, this morning said the state set aside funding — up to $1.5 million — to pay for as many as 500 people to receive the credential.

“These are things that businesses have invested in before,” he said. “We’re trying to help out.”

Students who complete the CPT credential could earn an annual starting salary of $30,000, officials say.

Missouri’s private-sector advanced manufacturing industry employs more than 202,000 workers. More than a quarter of Missouri jobs support the manufacturing industry, and that figure is expected to grow nearly 10% by 2026, according to the release.

OTC is working to become a top site for advanced manufacturing. The community college has plans in the works for a $20 million Center for Advanced Manufacturing, to be developed on its Springfield campus.