The Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) is adding new courses and different license options to METALFORM EDU, an online training program for workers in the metalforming industry.
New offerings include 32 PMA-exclusive courses in Spanish—covering Press Shop Operations, Die Setting and Lockout/Tagout—and two new PMA-exclusive courses on Metal Spinning. All courses include interactive eLearning content, a downloadable study guide and a graded final assessment. New demonstration videos that make the program easy-to-use for both managers and employees also are available.
PMA launched METALFORM EDU in October 2018, with majority funding provided by the PMA Educational Foundation. This online training program helps companies build a talent pipeline by providing access to on-demand training. Employees in the metalforming industry use the program to gain industry-specific, and broad business and professional skills, helping them strengthen their careers and move the industry forward, PMA said. The association boasts nearly 30 learning paths, with recommended courses for key jobs and skill sets needed in the metalforming industry.
“The recruitment, training and retention of workers is our members’ top priority, and the expansion of METALFORM EDU reflects our commitment to helping PMA members and our industry recruit and train a high-caliber workforce now and in the future,” said David Klotz, PMA president.
The program’s licensing options include the Metalforming License, which includes all courses developed by PMA specifically for the metalforming industry (each license can be assigned to a single employee); the Full Library License, which provides a single employee access to more than 550 courses, including all courses in the Metalforming License, as well as more than 520 other courses in areas such as math, communications, precision measurement, blueprint reading, quality and safety; and the Spanish Metalforming License, which includes access for a single Spanish-speaking employee to 32 courses developed by PMA.
METALFORM EDU also offers the Occupational Aptitude and Knowledge Assessment, a 60-question multiple-choice test that assesses mechanical aptitude, spatial and mathematical reasoning, measurement, use of communications and information, and the understanding of basic industry knowledge and behaviors of applicants for entry-level training programs or job vacancies.
“Our operators are very impressed with the quality of training provided in METALFORM EDU,” said Stephanie Ray, human resources manager at Henderson Stamping & Production in Henderson TN. “We can see a difference in those who have successfully completed courses.”
Learn more about METALFORM EDU on the PMA website or by contacting Stacey Schroeder, PMA’s workforce development director, at 216-901-8800 or [email protected].
