What Is It? Index | Overview | History | Accomplishments | Benefits of MSSC
Activity Pictures | Important Links | FAQ | News & Newsletters | What's New?

FAQ

Q: WHAT IS The WisPASS PROGRAM?

A: WisPASS – Wisconsin Performance & Assessment of Skill Standards is funded by a Department of Labor (DOL) grant. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is embarking on a demonstration program (WisPASS) to assess the competency level of about 600 Wisconsin production workers. Test-takers may receive a certificate of competency from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

Q: WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

A: Prosperity in our nation continues to depend on the strength of its workforce.
New responsibilities and opportunities exist for certified production workers.

Q: HOW DO EMPLOYERS BENEFIT?

A: Employers – will be able to identify, attract, recruit, hire, train and promote
key employees through MSSC credentials.

Q: HOW DO WORKERS BENEFIT?

A: Employees – will be able to adopt long-term career paths, document
competency and carry MSSC credentials.

Q: HOW DO TRAINERS BENEFIT?

A: Educators – are able to establish learning goals, define curricula/materials
and track results with each person.

Q: WHAT IS AN ASSESSMENT?

A: It is a test of competency. In this case it is testing "knowledge workers" on
their core skills that apply to manufacturing situations found in the modern
workplace.

Both multiple choice and factory simulation formats are used to identify
performance indicators and level of competency. Successful completion leads to issuance of certificates by the MSSC.

• Safety
• Manufacturing Process
• Quality Practices and Continuous Improvement
• Maintenance

Workers are scored against standards, either receiving an MSSC certificate or suggested further training.

Q: WHAT IS BEING TESTED?

A: The structure of the skill standards is based on a number of Critical Work Functions —major responsibilities in each area of interest, Key Activities – embedded duties and tasks, and Performance Indicators – showing competency in that key activity.
The tests are designed to measure knowledge and experience in three levels of interest. These are Academic – math, science and reading, etc., Employability – teamwork, problem solving, customer response, etc., and Technical – using inspection tools, knowledge of manufacturing processes, etc.

Q: WHAT IS THE MSSC?

A: Under the National Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM), the MSSC represents business, labor, educators, trade associations, and others involved in assuring the future of U.S. industry. In a two- year effort, the MSSC interviewed over 4,000 individuals from 700 companies across the U.S. to identify best practices for high performance in manufacturing; and what employers expected and needed in production worker skills.

Q: HOW DO COMPANIES BENEFIT?

A: In this demonstration phase, participating firms are not asked to pay for the employee assessments, but are asked to free up workers to be tested. In-plant tests are possible. The payoff/tradeoff for this time:

• Benchmark employee level and training gaps/needs
• Benefit employees by giving them career guidance
• Motivate added training
• Align workforce with planned technology and strategic initiatives
• Gain access to industry benchmarks and best practices

Q: HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Go to our WisPASS Staff Contact Page and Contact Dale Dulberger, Herb Centeno, or Mona Schroeder-Beers.

Q: WHAT IF I AM HAVING TECHNICAL ISSUES?

A: All technical difficulties should be directed to the All content inquiries should go to Dale Dulberger.

Q: THE DROP-DOWNS ON THE MENU ON THE LEFT DOES NOT WORK FOR ME, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A: The menu on the left hand side uses JavaScript technology. If your computer is not able to use the drop down menus, you should still be able to click on the menu itself and go to each index page, which will list all the pages in that section. Or, click here to use the site map!

Download Most Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)