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NIMS Online Tool Connects Competencies to Credentials to Careers

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) has created the NIMS Career Pathway Tool to help employers, job seekers and educators understand the numerous career pathways in the industry, how NIMS credentials help ensure skills at a variety of levels, and how they can be earned to enter and advance in careers.
NIMS, providing training and skill validation in precision manufacturing, offers more 50 credentials that verify skills in a variety of job functions and processes. The Career Pathway Tool guides users in learning how these credentials relate to the specific jobs and skills in demand across the industry.
According to NIMS officials, employers can use the tool to enhance hiring practices, develop better job postings and incorporate NIMS credentials into training operations; educators can use it to design their curriculum, aligned with industry standards and directly linked to nationally recognized credentials; and students can use it to plan their career path by learning what credentials fit their personal career goals and to better translate their respective skills sets developed in their training program.
To access the NIMS Career Pathway Tool, visit www.nimsready.org/pathway.

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Three D Metals Buys Metal Supplier

Three D Metals, Inc. a ferrous- and nonferrous-metal service center based in Valley City, OH, has acquired Williams Metal and Welding Alloys, Inc. The combined companies will provide the customers of both companies with access to an expanded range of products and services. Joe Walton, president and chief executive officer of Williams will remain with Three D to assist with the transition.
Three D also announced an unrelated change in its executive structure. David D. Dickens Jr. will assume the position of chief executive officer, Christopher A. Berry takes over as president, and Stephen R. Switaj has been promoted to vice president, finance. David D. Dickens Sr. retains his position as board chairman.
For more on Three D Metals, visit www.threedmetals.com.

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New Metalforming Applications for Cloud-Based ERP

Cloud-based manufacturing-ERP provider Plex Systems announced that metal forming companies Motion Dynamics Corp. and Tower Oil & Technology have partnered with Plex to move their manufacturing operations to the cloud. Motion Dynamics, Fruitport, MI, manufactures custom micro springs, medical coils and wire components. Tower Oil & Technology, Chicago, IL, provides metalworking fluids to the automotive, appliance, defense, transportation and other industries. Plex is online at www.plex.com/.

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