An Associate Degree in High Performance Manufacturing.

In order for more individuals to enter higher paying jobs, employers must create a sufficient number of high-performance positions (the demand side), and workers must acquire the skills needed to perform in these restructured workplaces (the supply side). Creating an associate degree in High Performance Manufacturing (HPM) will help address four interdependent supply-side issues. First, such a degree can serve as a link for achieving the three-fold integration of K-12 and postsecondary education; education and work; and vocational and academic education. To achieve this integration, a common language can be taught at each level and in each setting. The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) cites the following five principal competencies which can be taught and/or used at all levels of education and work: planning resources skills; information skills; interpersonal skills; systems knowledge; and technology skills. Second, an HPM associate degree can assist employers in recruiting and developing a workforce competent in high-performance work. Third, the HPM degree, which would be a portable degree, well understood and valued throughout the manufacturing industry, can serve to motivate students to acquire the skills needed for high-performance work. Finally, an associate degree in HPM would improve the effectiveness of education in preparing workers for the 21st century. Meetings involving representatives of manufacturing firms and trade associations, unions, community colleges and state systems, and other training organizations, is the first step to developing such a degree. Data tables are included. (PAA) ***************************g******************************************* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************************************************************** AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HIGH PERFORMANCE MPNUFACTURING