The Critical Core Skills Learning Program is the outcome of intensive research by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council. This research involved 4000 front line workers, 700 companies, and 350 subject matter experts. This research was initiated because leaders in American business realized the new global economy had created a need for more qualified workers. For the United States to retain its competitive edge, it needed workers with good interpersonal skills as well as technical competency. Research results identified 12 core skills critical to a worker’s success in the workplace.

The goal of the initiative that followed was to equip America's workers with the core skills necessary to increase productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in a world market.

The Critical Core Skills Learning Program was developed to meet this need. It is a tool for businesses, educators, and individuals to prepare workers for the increasing demands placed on employees in the 21st century. The CCS offers real-world learning opportunities through an online format that has many advantages. This program is designed to be accessible to:

• The unemployed, underemployed, displaced worker, non-native speaker, and student preparing for entry into the work world.
  
  
• Present workers who do not want to take time away from their jobs.
  
  
• Small and medium businesses that do not have the resources for or experience to provide ongoing training.
  
  

Special Thanks to the following individuals for their significant contributions to the Critical Core Manufacturing Skills project in 2004--2005.

CCMS Learning Activity Packet Writers: Melissa Wilke and Pat Hoppe

CCMS Learning Activity Packet Resource Team Members: Sandy Bishop, Jack Burkland, Mike Cattelino, Adler Colvin, Patricia Due-Detroyer, Dan Griffin, Greg Holther, Ron Hornick, Ed Kaufenberg, Ron Martin, John Nelson, Damodar Ramanuj, David Saunders, Tony Schottenbauer, Dan Seanor, Steve Skowronski, Tim Tewalt, Robert Quesada, and Devon Vanden Heuvel

Assessment of CCMS: Mary Ann Bazile, Josh Bullock, and Joe Hurst

Advanced Manufacturing Solutions II Steering Committee: Bryan Albrecht, Marcia Arndt, Jim Begotka, Bill Brendel, Jim Brown, Pat Hoppe, Joe Hurst, Steve Michaud, Gary L. Morgan, Kay Moormann, Walt Peters, Kirke Plank, Bill Rockwell, Mike Thompson, and Melissa Wilke

Learning Object Authors: Dave Bunnow, Rosie Bunnow, Chris Jossart, Barb Liang, Therese Nemec

Additional thanks to Jerry Eyler, Barb Liang, Therese Nemec, and Ron Toshner in laying the groundwork for building the Critical Core Skills Learning System.