50 Nebraskans are participating and completing a new, tuition-free manufacturing program

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The new Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance Credential has 50 new participants.

The career education and apprenticeship program was developed by the Nebraska Department of Labor, the Nebraska Chamber Foundation, manufacturers and all community colleges in Nebraska.

The program takes six months and focuses on improving Nebraska workers’ readiness for manufacturing jobs. It is a statewide, tuition-free program to train Nebraska workers for certain skilled labor.

According to the Nebraska Chamber, the students participate in 173 contact hours and seven modules. Along with it being tuition-free, students receive stipends throughout the program.

Nebraska Chamber said the students participating recorded 89% of students’ expectations met and 93% felt more prepared to work in manufacturing after completing the program.

“The primary workforce challenge for employers is the shortage of available workers, especially individuals with mid-level or advanced manufacturing skills,” Doug Rood, senior operations manager at Collins Aerospace and a curriculum contributor, said. “Collins Aerospace in York currently has 14 open positions. While we can train and hire entry-level candidates, there is a point at which employers need applicants with intermediate or mid-career experience to help reduce the training burden and accelerate time to full productivity. This challenge is shared broadly by manufacturers across NeMAC and the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance.”