FANUC, a supplier of CNCs, robotics, announced on Oct. 13 that it has been named a Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) by the Department of Labor (DOL).
FANUC shares this achievement in collaboration with industry partners including Rockwell Automation, APT Manufacturing Solutions and the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI).
Last month, U.S. DOL Secretary Eugene Scalia named 18 as Standards Recognition Entities (SREs). These organizations oversee the development of Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).
SREs are third party industry and workforce leaders that will evaluate and recognize high-quality IRAPs consistent with the Department’s standards. SREs work with employers and other entities to establish, recognize and monitor IRAPs that provide apprentices with industry-recognized credentials. SRE recognition is valid for five years.
“Expanding apprenticeships means more job opportunities for American workers,” Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training John Pallasch said. “During this time of economic change, it’s important to create better access to good-paying careers for America’s workforce.”
Many different types of entities may be recognized SREs, including trade groups, companies, educational institutions, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, unions, joint labor-management organizations, and certification and accreditation bodies for a profession or industry. SREs have been approved to recognize IRAPs in nearly 130 occupations with numerous related industry-recognized credentials.
The FANUC America-Rockwell Automation coalition gained recognition for its focus on robotics and advanced automation, specifically the integration of these technologies into systems and the future workforce needed to support them. The companies have worked together over the past decade developing training, certifications and an education and training delivery network. This network of educational partners includes more than 1200 high school and post-secondary FANUC-certified training organizations, and over 150 university and career technical training partners associated with this industry team.
“IRAPs provide an innovative approach to develop emerging occupational careers that are highly sought after,” said Paul Aiello, Director of Education, FANUC America. “The bottom line is that manufacturing needs skilled workers with automation technology training. This framework is more agile and linked with employers, who provide insight into the talent requirements from an upcoming workforce.
The apprenticeship program has been an important part of the White House's workforce strategy. According to the DOL since Jan. 1, 2017, over 800,000 individuals have found employment through an apprenticeship program.
