Certified Education Center
What is a Certified Education Center?
A community college, technical college, university, trade school or technical high school that offers a curriculum to prepare people for careers in metal manufacturing (preferably metal fabrication or welding) can partner with FMA and become a Certified Education Center (CEC).
A CEC is a company level member of the FMA and receives a special package of benefits accorded only to educators. A CEC is recognized by FMA to offer exemplary programs, facilities and instruction. These educational institutions are engaged in a mission to interest today’s young people in pursuing careers in the metal forming and fabricating industry.
Why Would a School Become a CEC?
The faculty and administrators engaged in manufacturing technology at CECs are offered free training by industry professionals to support their own professional development. In addition, they receive curriculum support, assistance in securing equipment, and acknowledgement on the FMA Web site and in FMA publications. Some CECs serve as testing centers for the Precision Sheet Metal Operator (PSMO) Certification exam. In addition, they may host an FMA technical training program annually, and offer specialty training to meet the needs of their local employer base. CEC members are able to utilize all of the discount programs accorded to Advantage-level member companies as well, including discounts on store purchases, UPS and YRC shipping, energy audits, and group purchasing discounts.
Current Certified Education Centers
| School | City, State |
| Advanced Manufacturing Institute | Manhattan, KS |
| Anoka Technical College | Anoka, MN |
| Austin Polytechnical Academy | Chicago, IL |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology | Burnaby, British Columbia |
| College of the Canyons | Santa Clarita, CA |
| EWI / Edison Welding Institute | Columbus, OH |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria, IL |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College | Kalamazoo, MI |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Surrey, British Columbia |
| Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA |
| Moraine Park Technical College | West Bend, WI |
| Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College | Ogden, UT |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford, IL |
| Thomas Nelson Community College | Hampton, VA |
| Triton College | River Grove, IL |
| Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI |
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“Kirkwood Community College’s Industrial Technologies Department worked with FMA to develop an Associate of Applied Science degree program in Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication. FMA and its board provided educational materials, equipment discounts, and donations to make this program a reality. Without their insights, encouragement, and industry connections we may not have accomplished the program’s startup. We’re giving back to FMA and the industry by providing a model for developing programming that meets the needs of a highly skilled work force. With FMA as our partner, Kirkwood will continue to meet that need now and in the future.” Phil Thomas, Dean |
Manufacturing Summer Camps
Many CECs run summer manufacturing camps each year that inspire young people in junior high and high school to prepare for manufacturing careers.
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation Scholarships
Students planning to attend CEC schools are encouraged to apply for the scholarships offered by NBT, the foundation of FMA.
Next Steps
- If you are an industry professional and your local college or trade school offers programs leading to metal fabrication careers, but it is not on the list of current CECs, tell them about the program and encourage them to join. An entire campus staff can be covered by an FMA membership for as little as $150.
- Collaborate with college instructors and administrators on curriculum development that serves the metal fabricating industry. They can only prepare your future work force if they know specifically what you need and what is hardest for you to hire.
- If you are currently employed at a college that may qualify to become a Certified Education Center, contact the FMA program director or call 888-394-4362 for more information.
