Tooling U Develops Multi-Language Interface in Spanish, Chinese and German

Cleveland, OH – Tooling University, a provider of online manufacturing training, has developed a new multi-language interface to deliver content in multiple languages. The interface includes all the key features needed for users to fully utilize Tooling University's learning management system (LMS). The company's web site is currently used to deliver content in English, Spanish, and German, with additional training content in simplified Chinese expected by January 2008.

The new multi-language interface was created to satisfy the training needs for large international manufacturers, allowing these companies to provide consistent, standardized training to their workforces worldwide. Like the English-based classes, all Tooling University non-English classes contain a rich array of multimedia, easy navigation tools, and a section for the student to take and save notes.

Full multi-language capability presented some unique challenges. According to Chad Schron, Vice President of Tooling University, "the average person is surprised at the work needed [to add multi-language capability]. In the U.S., we're used to a certain number of characters. But because Chinese contains so many different symbols, you have to switch to a double-byte character set."

A fully functional multi-language site is just one recent step for Tooling University in a long series of changes made to accommodate international users. Said Schron, "we first got started by translating our content for Spanish-speaking users in the U.S., and then redesigned the site navigation in Spanish to reach a broader audience in Mexico. Once our customers started requesting German and simplified Chinese, we knew a multi-language site was inevitable." Tooling University expects to release Chinese-language training for CNC machinists in January 2008.

Tooling University provides a wide range of online training classes for people in the manufacturing industry. These classes are delivered through a powerful Learning Management System (LMS) that allows educational institutions and companies to assess training needs and track performance. Tooling University offers training packages for CNC operators, mill/lathe operators, press operators, assemblers, and maintenance professionals, as well as custom-created training material for Fortune 500 manufacturers.

For more information about Tooling U and the new multi-language interface, visit http://www.toolingu.com/ or contact a Tooling U sales representative at 1-866-706-8665.

Tooling U working with the State of Sonora, Mexico to Develop a World-Class Workforce

Hermosillo, Sonora, México – Tooling University, an online manufacturing training provider, has partnered with CANACINTRA Hermosillo (Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Transformación) and ICATSON (Instituto de Capacitación para el Trabajo del Estado de Sonora) for the implementation and delivery of a strategic industrial training program to develop its workforce in the state’s capital Hermosillo. This new training initiative was made possible with the support of the State Secretary of Economy (Secretaria de Economía) and the Secretary of Education (Secretaria de Educación y Cultura). Supporters of this unique training initiative expect the student base to expand throughout the state of Sonora as well.

Icatson started its first blended training course, combining classroom and online training, in April, 2007. Twenty unemployed students took computer numerical control (CNC) training that was sponsored by the Secretary of Economy. "The proactive interest and great vision of the State Government, Canacintra, and Icatson was the key to the success of this program realization," said Ing. Noe Hernandez, Tooling University Representative for Latin America. "After completing their classes in August, 2007, these students are fully prepared to join the industrial market with valuable knowledge and skills," added Hernandez.

Supporters of online manufacturing training portray an optimistic view of its success. More importantly, a number of trained workers have received job offers from various multinational companies. According to Ing. Noe Munguía, President of Canacintra Hermosillo, as quoted in the newspaper El Imparcial, "We are certain that all these students will get good jobs right away because the industry has a huge need for skilled people."

The State Promotion Agency (COPRESON) is currently planning with Icatson and Canacintra the implementation of a state-wide industrial training program. This program would offer Tooling University classes to all the Icatson locations throughout the state and would involve the participation of their teachers. “We are very excited to help manufacturing in Mexico continue the training of technicians and engineers. Training is crucial for the successful growth of the industry and the emergence of a world-class workforce,” said Chad Schron, Vice President of Tooling University.