Teaching to industry-based certifications requires a different approach than traditional teaching methods. It requires a practical and structured approach that focuses on real-world examples and hands-on experience. As you incorporate industry based certification training into your programs, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
Understand the certification requirements
Industry-standard certifications and micro-credentials represent a reward for putting in the hard work to learn new skills. As you’re designing and refining your training programs, you’ll want to consider a wide variety of training certifications but ultimately go with those best suited to a) close the skills gap within your region and b) meet your students where they are in their current education and training trajectory.
To teach a certification program, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the requirements and objectives of the certification exam. Review the exam content and objectives to ensure that you are covering all the necessary topics in your curriculum.
For example, the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) offers a variety of certifications and micro-credentials related to many skill areas, especially within Industry 4.0, manufacturing, and more. There are varying levels – Basic, Specialist, and Professional – that may or may not be a best fit for your program. SACA’s C-101 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate I – Basic Operations certification covers:
- Concepts & Terminology of Smart Manufacturing
- Basic Setup, Adjustment & Operation of Automated Machines
- Safety and Hand Tools
- Blueprint & Schematic Reading
- Precision Measurement
- Basic Electrical Control, Pneumatic, & Sensor Systems Operation
- Basic Robot Operation & Terminology
- Production Monitoring via HMI, Internet, Ethernet, & Smart Phones
But perhaps your students needs something more specific to robotics. In that case, SACA’s C-103 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate III – Robot System Operations certification could be a better fit because it covers:
- Concepts & Terminology of Robots
- Robot Setup & Adjustment
- Robot Operations & Basic Programming
- Fixtures/End of Arm Tooling Types & Selection
- Robot-Ethernet Network Communications
- Robot I/O Device & PLC System Interfacing
- Robot Monitoring & Cycle Time Optimization
- Robot Smart Manufacturing Concepts
You can view a hierarchy of several industry certifications we support here.
Provide hands-on experience
Practical experience is essential for obtaining industry-based certifications. Provide hands-on experience through labs, simulations, and other activities to help students develop their skills and confidence.
Amatrol’s Skill Boss Logistics is a perfect example of a training systems specifically designed to map to industry standards, like the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council’s (MSSC) Certified Technician in Supply Chain Automation (CTSCA) certifications. These certifications enable both students and incumbent workers to gain the skills needed to meet the definition of a supply chain automation technician established by the National Science Foundation-funded National Center for Supply Chain Automation.
Skill Boss Logistics features real industrial equipment that supply chain automation technicians will encounter on the job. Featured components include:
- programmable logic controller (PLC);
- Ethernet network with managed switch;
- AC and DC electric variable speed motors;
- PC-based human-machine interface (HMI);
- 2D barcode scanner;
- photoelectric, thru-beam, retro-reflective, diffuse, inductive, limit switch, and magnetic reed sensors;
- vacuum lift electro-pneumatic manipulator;
- multiple belt and roller conveyors;
- induction conveyor;
- variable speed distribution conveyor; and
- multiple discharge chutes
And how, exactly, does this map to the MSSC certifications? Well, the MSSC CTSCA-EM certification focuses on maintaining, operating, and adjusting equipment. Relevant topical areas include: safety, preventive maintenance, equipment adjustment, measurement, hand tools, and system monitoring and operation. The CTSCA-ER certification focuses on installing, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment. Relevant topical areas include: pneumatics, electrical, mechanical, print reading, and system troubleshooting. The CTSCA-NR certification focuses on installing, troubleshooting, and repairing basic controllers and networks. Relevant topical areas include: programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives, barcode readers, Ethernet networks, and electronics system troubleshooting.
Don’t forget that interactive teaching methods, such as group discussions, team projects, and presentations, can also help students engage with the material and retain information better.
Offer certification exam preparation
Offer resources and training that specifically prepare students for the certification exam. This can include practice exams, study materials, and exam-taking strategies. Most organizations, like MSSC, SACA, PMMI and others will provide you with the resources to do so. This is all key to making sure your students are fully prepared to pass their certification exams.
Create a structured curriculum
Industry-based certifications require practical skills and knowledge. You’ll want to create a curriculum that covers all the necessary topics in a structured and logical manner. This will help students understand how the different topics relate to each other and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. Using real-world examples and case studies can help students understand how the skills and knowledge they are learning can be applied in their work.
What we love about Amatarol is that they incorporate all the key tenants of the certifications their hands-on trainers support into their curriculum. Amatrol’s eLearning library covers:
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- Automation
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Fluid Power
- Green Technology
- Lean Manufacturing
- Materials
- Mechanical
- Process Control
- Quality Assurance
- Safety
- Workplace Effectiveness
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This technical content is in-depth and features strong interactivity for skill development, and easy-to-use assessment and student tracking through an intuitive web portal.
Keep in mind that industry-based certifications are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates to the certification requirements. Continuously update your curriculum to ensure that you are covering all the necessary topics and preparing your students for success in their careers.
