As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, educators are under increasing pressure to equip students with the skills that will set them up for success in today’s high-tech job market. One area where the skills gap is especially evident is in additive manufacturing, or 3D printing—a field with growing demand across industries from manufacturing and aerospace to fashion, art, and design. The Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program offers a direct way to bridge this gap, giving educators the tools to prepare students for a future in this fast-evolving industry.
This Stratasys 3D printing certification program offers educators a way to help students develop key skills for the future in additive manufacturing and build skills that align with industry needs. Here’s what you need to know about the program and how it can help shape the next generation of skilled workers.
What is the Stratasys 3D Printing Certification Program?
The Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program is a structured certification initiative designed to provide students with hands-on experience using Stratasys 3D printing technology. By partnering with the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI), a leader in developing career and technical education assessments, Stratasys has created a robust certification framework that ensures students not only gain practical skills but also demonstrate proficiency in additive manufacturing.
Why Should Educators Care About the Stratasys 3D Printing Certification?
Integrating the Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification into your curriculum offers a range of benefits for both your students and your institution. The program not only equips students with in-demand, industry-recognized skills but also provides opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving, enhancing their career readiness. Additionally, it positions your institution as a leader in cutting-edge technology education, bolstering your reputation in both academic and industry circles.
Here’s how the Stratasys certification program can make a significant impact:
- Prepare Students for Career Success: With the Stratasys certification, students gain technical expertise that’s highly valued across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and engineering. This certification equips them to enter the workforce as qualified candidates, ready to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving field of additive manufacturing.
- Provide Real-World Problem-Solving Opportunities: Additive manufacturing is transforming industries, and giving students the chance to engage with this technology allows them to solve real-world challenges. Hands-on experience working with 3D printing in industry settings strengthens students’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skills, setting them up for success in the workplace.
- Enhance Your Institution’s Reputation: Adopting the Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification demonstrates your commitment to offering cutting-edge, industry-relevant education. The program, which is NOCTI-accredited, helps enhance your institution’s standing, making it a recognized leader in preparing students for careers in manufacturing and technology.
- Unlock Funding and Partnership Opportunities: The Stratasys certification opens doors to funding opportunities that can support the development of new facilities, classroom upgrades, and equipment purchases. It also fosters partnerships with local industries, creating avenues for internships, research projects, and other collaborations that benefit both students and faculty.
- Ongoing Support and Industry-Relevant Content: Stratasys updates its certification content every two years, ensuring that your curriculum remains aligned with the latest industry advancements. Once certified, your institution maintains that status indefinitely, as long as you continue offering the program.
- Attract More Students: Offering a Stratasys-certified program attracts students interested in careers in additive manufacturing and related fields, helping your institution appeal to a growing demographic of prospective learners.
By integrating this certification into your program, you not only help your students build the skills they need for future success but also position your institution at the forefront of additive manufacturing education.
How Does the Stratasys 3D Printing Certification Work?
The certification process is straightforward, and your institution can easily become a certified Stratasys Additive Manufacturing site. Here’s how it works:
- Purchase Required Equipment: To offer the Stratasys certification, you’ll need access to the necessary 3D printing equipment. For Level 1 FDM Certification, a Stratasys F170™ printer is required. For Level 2 PolyJet™ Certification, a J35™ printer is needed. These printers are industry-standard models that will allow your students to learn and apply their skills using the best available technology.
- Attend the Stratasys Knowledge Transfer Course: The next step is for educators to attend the Stratasys-hosted Knowledge Transfer Course. This course, which is free of charge, prepares instructors to teach additive manufacturing using Stratasys technology. After completing this course, instructors must pass the NOCTI certification exam (there is a $30 required exam fee) to demonstrate their expertise.
- Apply the Curriculum: Once the instructor is certified, your institution can begin offering the certified curriculum to students. This curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain proficiency in additive manufacturing techniques while learning to use Stratasys 3D printers effectively.
- Administer NOCTI Exams to Students: Finally, educators will create a NOCTI account to administer certification exams to students. This provides a standardized way to assess students’ understanding of additive manufacturing, ensuring they meet industry standards.
Once your institution becomes a certified Stratasys site, your certification is maintained indefinitely as long as you continue offering the AM course and ensuring that instructors stay current by completing the Knowledge Transfer Course and passing the NOCTI exam. A list of current certified site locations can be found on the Stratasys website. Within Amtek’s territory, Carroll Community College is listed as a certified site.
Conclusion: Stratasys 3D Printing Certification
The Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program provides educators with the tools and resources needed to prepare students for successful careers in rapidly growing industries. By implementing this certification program, you can bridge the skills gap, offer students in-demand capabilities, and enhance your institution’s standing as a leader in technical education.
To learn more about how you can bring the Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification Program to your institution, download the certification brochure or contact us.
