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.