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President Obama recently announced an initiative to credential 500,000 manufacturing workers with industry-recognized certifications through an expansion of the Skills for America's Future program.
Obama said this initiative would be implemented through a partnership between the industry, education and the National Association of Manufacturers.
"We are pleased to see this joint action from industry, education and the public sector to grow a skilled manufacturing workforce within the framework of a robust nationwide program with macro-economic impact," said Leo Reddy, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council chief executive. "The manufacturing jobs of the 21st century continue to become more technical and require a higher level of skill among front-line production workers."
The manufacturing sector currently employs over 11 million Americans, and by itself it would be one of the 10th largest economies in the world, according to MSSC. Manufacturing is also critical for continued innovation as manufacturing companies account for two-thirds of private sector research and development, and roughly 90 percent of all registered patents.