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TRAINING & RECRUITMENTA key part of the NMEC effort is its partnershipwith the National Center for ConstructionEducation & Research (NCCER).At the time of its inception,NMEC was searching for best practices toimplement its vision, they looked at whatNCCER was doing in industrial construction,pipeline and power line curriculumand credentialing.John Lotshaw, Gulf Coast Director ofTraining and Workforce Development,Ingalls Shipbuilding, and chair of the NationalMaritime Education Council.A key part of the NMEC effort is its partnership with theNational Center for Construction Education & Research (NC-CER). At the time of its inception, NMEC was searching forbest practices to implement its vision, they looked at what NC-CER was doing in industrial construction, pipeline and powerline curriculum and credentialing. Lotshaw adds, “We foundthat when NCCER was formed as a non-profit education foundationin the early 1990’s, those industries were facing thesame challenges that the shipbuilding and repair industry isfacing now. Their model is effective, efficient, and has mademeasurable impacts related to safety, profitability and workforcedevelopment in those industries. We were offered theopportunity to partner with them and build on their success.”Already in place is a secure National Registry where crafttraining, assessment records and credentials are available forreview by potential employers (with applicant approval), and aproven track record. Hence, with NMEC standardization, andregardless of where the individual receives training, employershave assurance that persons with this credential are well trainedand have the skill sets they need. Lotshaw further insists, “Partneringwith NCCER gives our industry the best bang for thebuck and the quickest, surest pathway to meeting our goals.”The Shipfitting curriculum at NMEC addresses – and standardizes– one of the most in-demand skills in the business.(Tradesmen International credit)28 | Maritime Professional | 4Q 2013