Workforce Development
SME Introduces Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals Certification Industry-driven nationally recognized certification for students, dislocated workers, and new-to-the-industry employees
S
ME, a nationally recognized certifying body in manufacturing, announced today that it has developed and will offer the Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) credential. The new certification, focused on assessing a candidate’s comprehension of fundamental robotics concepts, may be used by those currently looking to upskill or reskill into manufacturing careers before pursuing equipmentspecific or career pathway-specific training in robotics. The credential can help individuals begin a lifelong career in an industry where there is opportunity for advancement and good-paying jobs. The industry-recognized RMF credential was developed by SME, with two leading organizations in the robotics education area: Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and FIRST®. “Through our extensive networks in industry, education ,and workforce, SME identified a common need for a robotics credential that demonstrates certification holders have a basic understanding of robotics concepts before starting a more advanced training program,” said Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME and member of the Education and Workforce Advisory Committee of ARM, the Robotics Institute. “We worked closely with the REC Foundation and FIRST Robotics in Manufacturing to validate the body of Fundamentals knowledge to cover topics (RMF) relevant for foundational robotics topics across a wide range of industries.” The RMF credential, focused on the fundamentals of manufacturing robotics, provides a starting point for any career pathway a candidate may pursue in the field of robotics.
“The global robotics market is expected to reach $74 billion by 2026 and there is tremendous opportunity for those who want to advance their career,” Kunz said. “To keep our industry thriving, we need to help meet the high demand for advanced manufacturing and robotics talent in our country.” With a RMF credential and the fundamental knowledge it represents, a candidate has many options available to them including: » Entry-level employment in manufacturing jobs that involves robotics and automation » Pursuing further education and training toward: » Robotics-specific career pathway such as a robotics technician, robotics specialist, robotics integrator, or robotics engineer » Equipment-specific robotics training and certification » Skilled trade in which robots may be applied such as machining or welding » Industrial maintenance or mechatronics certification
Career Pathways with a Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals Certification
30 | IMD
January 2023
Manufacturing Jobs
Robotics Operator Maintenance Apprentice Maintenance Technician Trainee
Entry-level Employment
Robotics-specific Career Pathways Robotics Technician Robotics Specialist Robotics Integrator Robotics Engineer
Skilled Trade Using Robotics Machining Welding Other
Pursue Further Education And Training
Equipment-specific Robotics and Certification
Certifications Industrial Maintenance Mechatronics