A national standard-setting agency in Washington, D.C. and an Indiana-based technical training firm joined forces recently to launch “Skill Boss,” a unique apparatus capable of preparing workers to handle equipment in the manufacturing sector.

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and Amatrol debuted the MSSC CPT + Skill Boss training machine — specifically created to train Certified Production Technicians — at the recent 53rd Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference hosted by SkillsUSA in Louisville, Kentucky.

"While we've made progress over the years, much more work needs to be done,” MSSC leader Leo Reddy said, noting that manufacturers have long expressed the need for higher quality training. “That's where the Skill Boss comes in — this is a cost-effective and portable machine that high schools, community colleges and manufacturers can use to train people to excel in an advanced manufacturing environment."

Amatrol CEO Paul Perkins described the Skill Boss as “more interactive than a robot.” The computer-controlled device premiered at the weeklong Louisville event with the support of SkillsUSA, a nationwide career and technical organization serving over 360,000 students and professionals in technical, skilled, and service occupation training programs.

“I am … convinced that this exciting trainer will attract many more young people to begin careers in advanced manufacturing," Perkins said. 

The invention also garnered compliments from industry executives including spokespersons from GE Appliances and Snap-on Inc., a global tool systems manufacturer.

“GE Appliances greatly welcomes the Skill Boss hands-on certification component to the CPT training program,” Eric Leef, an HR leader at GE, said. "We applaud the MSSC and Amatrol on working together to develop an accessible classroom tool for CPT students, as well as providing an additional hiring measure for employers."

Headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Amatrol specializes in technical training experiences for industry and education.