PMMI Launches Mechatronics Certificate Program

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) has launched their certificate program in mechatronics. The first test in the series of certificates is now avaiiable to be taken online. This test covers the principles and applications of basic industrial electricity and electronics as they relate to packaging machinery and systems. This is the first of a planned twenty one tests for certificates covering packaging-oriented mechatronics skills required for industrial maintenance, design, and engineering.

These certificates may be crafted together in combinations to fit many jobs within the packaging industry. For example, one combination of certificates could be used for a packaging operator / technician. Another combination could be used for conventional craft mainenance, another for multi-skilled maintenance and yet others for mechatronics technicians, designers or engineers. Completion of all of the certificates would indicate technical competency equivalent to that of both an Associates Degree in Applied Engineering and a Bachelors Degree in Engineering Technology in the field of mechatronics.

PMMI has been working for some time with a consortium of community colleges, 4 year colleges and industrial advisory groups interested in mechatronics. Together with the Mid Atlantic Mechatronics Partnership, PMMI convinced the US Department of Labor to include mechatronics careers in their list of high priority occupations for which DOL has adopted competency models. This competency model may be used by educators, employers, workforce development agencies, curriculum developers and others who are interested in mechatronics education and occupations.

The PMMI mechatronics certificate program may be the first such program in North America that is in place and sponsored by a trade association rather than an education or technology vendor. PMMI is to be commended for their approach which is aimed at supporting the needs of their members and their members' customers. Whereas many associations provide education and certificates as a means of generating revenue, PMMI is sharing the competencies with schools across the country who may deliver the actual training in the way that best fits their customers. PMMI is administering the testing and record keeping for a nominal fee intended to cover their costs.

This program will greatly assist technical high schools across the country to introduce programs in multi-skilled industrial maintenance and mechatronics. Such schools are required by law to have industry sponsored certificates available to students for any course of study that is offered. Until now, this has been an impediment to high schools that may wish to teach mechatronics.

For more information, go to PMMI's education website, www.PMMIU.org.
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