July, 2011- On July 19, 2011 the Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB) recognized national skill standards developed and endorsed by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

TSSB policy requires that recognized skill standards be reviewed and updated every five years at a minimum. In May, 2011 the MSSC conducted an extensive review of its original suite of manufacturing production concentration skill standards. The revision reflects major changes to the skill standards’ organization and volume of content.

The previously recognized manufacturing skill standards, which included six areas, were consolidated into four critical work function modules in the Certified Production Technician (CPT) skill standards:  safety; quality practices and measurement; manufacturing production and processes; and maintenance awareness.  The consolidation eliminates a high level of internal duplication that existed in the original skill standards and ensures that the standards are consistent with industry best practice. 

The manufacturing industry is a strong employer in the state. Texas Workforce Commission data projects employment figures for manufacturing supervisors and managers alone to be approximately 54,000, and projects employment to remain level through 2018. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Texas production employees on manufacturing payrolls earn an average hourly wage of $15.87.

Additionally, the MSSC based its CPT assessment and credentialing process on the newly consolidated skill standards. A certificate is issued by the MSSC to individuals who pass the rigorous national assessment for each module, which is linked to a critical work function. Full CPT Certification is granted to individuals who pass all four.

The TSSB recognized the standards in accordance with its Guidelines for the Development, Recognition, and Usage of Skill Standards (May 2010). For more information, please contact the TSSB at (512) 936-8100.