“Lifelong training to raise the skill level of our workforce is essential in today’s competitive global economy. This collaborative program delivers innovative technology and tools to advance our mission to help our workers,” said Rick Jarman, NCMS President & CEO.

“NCMS has forged an important partnership to help create a skilled workforce for Michigan,” said Congressman Joe Knollenberg R-MI. “These kinds of partnerships are vital to insuring that Michigan remains attractive to manufacturing companies who are looking for the right place to invest.”

Initial training courses will cover basic industrial lathes and CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine axes orientation, followed by mills and grinders. The curriculum will supplement an extensive CNC controller simulation program currently offered by Immersive Engineering.

“This strategic partnership enables our organizations to leverage the strengths to deliver additional high-quality manufacturing and machining online training products,” said Chris Bien, President, Immersive Engineering. “As a result, our customers will benefit from having access to a broader selection of courses at affordable prices.”

The basis for the initial lathe training is a series of modules developed and produced by NCMS for the Focus: HOPE Machinist Training Institute through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The curriculum, designed by Focus: HOPE, supplements their successful hands-on training and shop floor exercises. Students can now work through their computers on virtual simulations that will help them understand basic machining concepts and test their understanding of machining processes.

The partnership of these three companies allows this very effective computer-based training to be deployed across the country through Immersive Engineering’s LCMS (Learning Content Management System), which allows access by educational institutions and metalworking shops large and small.

“It is a win-win situation for the metalworking industry in dire need of qualified machinists to replace the aging workforce and our young student population needing good paying, challenging careers in manufacturing,” said Tim Duperron, acting CEO of Focus: HOPE.

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is the largest cross-industry collaborative research and development consortium in North America, and is the only consortial effort in the U.S. devoted exclusively to manufacturing technologies, processes and practices. NCMS has over 20 years of experience in the formation and management of complex, multi-partner collaborative R&D programs, and is backed by corporate members representing virtually every manufacturing sector.

The Educational Services group has been providing dynamic, high tech interactive knowledge transfer products for over 10 years. The group’s products can be found in private sector industry and business, educational institutions, government departments, industry consultancies and not-for-profit entities.

A civil and human rights organization founded 40 years ago, Focus: HOPE is dedicated to fighting racism, poverty and injustice. It opened its Machinist Training Institute (MTI) in 1981 with curriculum designed with input from area employers. MTI graduated the first women and African Americans into area machine shops in the 1980s and has since placed more than 2,300 highly-skilled graduates into manufacturing jobs. The organization also offers education and training in the areas of information technology and engineering. Focus: HOPE has a food program that assists 42,000 women, children and senior citizens each month with commodity foods provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its fight against racism and poverty also involves community arts and community development initiatives. Through Focus: HOPE, thousands of individuals have become financially independent.

For more information, visit http://www.focushope.edu

About Immersive Engineering, Inc.

Immersive Engineering Inc. develops, distributes and provides comprehensive support for their Internet-based, simulation training systems and interactive learning content. Powered by www.immersive.biz, the Immersive training systems support various manufacturing and technical subject matter in applications such as CNC machining, robotics, CAD/CAM, and Concurrent Engineering with Digital manufacturing.

Immersive Engineering complete, private-labeled, Internet-based simulation training systems are installed at colleges and high schools throughout North America. Immersive simulated virtual CNC control panels and 3D machines were used by an estimated 3,000 community college, high school, and “on-the-job” students. Immersive training products and services are used in various industries including education, defense, automotive, medical devices, aerospace and others.

In addition to their Internet-based simulation training system, Immersive develops and distributes other learning products including: learning content management system, employee and student evaluation systems and survey management tools.