PLCs 2 Mechatronics Certification Test Identifies Technicians for High-Demand Positions

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is introducing its newest Mechatronics Certification Test, “Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 2,” at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. The nationally portable mechatronics credential will help employers identify workers best qualified for technician positions.

The test covers advanced principles and applications of PLCs and builds on the topics covered on the Programmable Logic Controllers 1 test. Topics include advanced applications of PLCs, industrial network communications, program control, math functions and data handling.

“Multi-skilled technicians with PLC skills are in high demand,” says Maria Ferrante, vice president, Education and Workforce Development, PMMI. “This certification test will help manufacturers identify highly-skilled technicians for the job.”

PMMI’s Mechatronics Certification Tests are based on industry-developed standards and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Manufacturing Institute’s Skills Certificate System, which is part of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

A recent NAM report predicts 2 million of the nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs expected to open up over the next decade will go unfilled because of a lack of skilled workers.

“PMMI’s Mechatronics Certification Tests address the skills gap. They’re critical for manufacturers who are having trouble finding, hiring and developing staff who have the skills needed to troubleshoot, maintain and operate automated equipment,” Ferrante says, adding, “PMMI’s Mechatronics Certification is designed for service technicians and maintenance workers. The tests reduce the time and cost related to technician training. PMMI partners with technical and community colleges across North America to provide the training and education needed to prepare for these tests and ultimately careers in manufacturing.”

To learn more about “Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 2,” and the other PMMI Mechatronics Certification Tests as well as the partner schools that can provide training, visit the PMMI team at PMMI’s booth in the Central Lobby at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015 (Sept. 28–30; Las Vegas Convention Center), the Education and Workforce Development Pavilion in the Upper South Lobby or pmmi.org/mechatronics.

“Employers will also benefit from the increasing level of confidence they’ll have in their staff and its ability to move the company forward,” she says. “This is a win for everyone involved.”

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents the voice of more than 700 North American manufacturers of equipment, components and materials for processing and packaging. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of processing and packaging to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Pharma EXPO, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK México, EXPO PACK Guadalajara and ProFood Tech, launching in April 2017. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in processing and packaging year-round through brands including Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging and Packaging + Processing OEM. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market and industry trends to support members’ growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year. Learn more at PACKEXPO.com,PMMIMediaGroup.com and PMMI.org.