SACA's Vision: Building the Future Workforce

The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) webinar, moderated by Gary Tomalin, brings together industry experts to discuss the critical role of certifications in closing the skills gap in smart manufacturing and automation. As a leader in workforce development with over 30 years of experience, Gary guides the conversation with panelists from SACA, Rockwell Automation, and Mountainland Technical College. Together, they explore how SACA is shaping the future of workforce training, with a focus on Industry 4.0 standards, reshoring of manufacturing, and creating a pipeline of skilled technicians.

Panel Overview

In this session, our expert panelists discuss the impact of SACA certifications on the workforce and how these certifications are helping to close the skills gap in smart manufacturing and automation.

• Jim Wall, Executive Director of SACA, highlights the importance of developing certification programs to meet Industry 4.0 standards. Jim’s extensive background in workforce education and certification programs makes him a leader in this space.
• Michael Cook, Director of Industry & Academia at Rockwell Automation, provides insights into how industry and academic institutions are collaborating to create a pipeline of future-ready technicians and engineers. Michael has over 20 years of experience in strategy and business development with a focus on emerging technologies and workforce development.
• Jeff Erickson, Program Coordinator at Mountainland Technical College, brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective. Jeff shares how his automation and robotics programs are using SACA certifications to provide students with the skills needed to meet growing industry demands.

Key Topics Covered

What is SACA?: Jim Wall explains the foundation of SACA, its mission to address the skills gap in Industry 4.0, and how its certifications are becoming a standard in smart manufacturing.

• Global Industrial Certification Pathways: We delve into how SACA is positioned globally and how companies like Amazon and Rockwell Automation are using SACA certifications to upskill their workforce and ensure consistency across locations.
• Industry and Academia Collaboration: Michael Cook speaks on how Rockwell Automation is working with academic institutions to develop curricula that reflect real-world industry needs.
• Certification Levels: Learn about SACA’s Silver and Gold certification pathways. These certifications, offered at no additional cost to students once a school becomes a SACA member, provide an effective way to standardize skills across industries and educational institutions.

Future of Workforce Development

Looking ahead, SACA is developing new certifications in cybersecurity, semiconductors, and electric vehicle production, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped for emerging technologies.

How to Get Involved

If you're interested in learning more about SACA or becoming a member, visit saca.org or reach out via email at support@saca.org.