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National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ Launches First of its Kind Certification for Advanced Manufacturing and Tech-Related Programs

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NIICA certification assures ongoing alignment with the ever-changing needs of the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries

HANOVER, Md., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA), the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) national Intermediary for establishing and expanding Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chains, has announced its education program certification designed to ensure that training programs and degree pathways align with evolving employer needs in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.

Through its innovative National Talent Hub™ (NTH) and its comprehensive database of industry competencies, NIICA offers a dynamic, data-driven certification process that ensures education and training programs remain aligned with employer job requirements and evolving Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). Unlike traditional certification models, the NIICA Certification™ leverages technology and automation through the NTH to provide real-time updates, enabling institutions to adapt their curricula to meet the ever-changing demands of the advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries.

NIICA redesigned and maintains the Advanced Manufacturing Competency Model listed in the USDOL Competency Model Clearinghouse and developed the nation’s first semiconductor competency standard that informs the Semiconductor Competency Model. This data is included in the NTH database and is continually informed on an ongoing basis by industry input.

“True alignment between education and industry has always remained elusive and has required manual processes and physical interactions in an attempt to keep up with more technical job requirements,” said Mike Russo, NIICA President & CEO. “We at the Institute have worked with industry representatives over several years to develop the related knowledge, skills, and abilities required to succeed on the job and progress in careers spanning advanced manufacturing industries. Our work has included semiconductor industry roles, detailed down to specific employers and jobs, eliminating the need to spend time and money to develop these KSA profiles. Through our National Talent Hub™ and NIICA Certification™, we are now providing an automated process and seamless platform for aligning education programs with industry needs in real time, ensuring individuals gain the skills and competencies required to succeed in these high-demand fields.”

NIICA’s certification process begins when education and training providers submit program profiles through the NTH. These programs are evaluated for alignment against an industry-informed competency database, which identifies and standardizes the KSAs required for advanced manufacturing and tech job roles, with an emphasis on the semiconductor industry and its supply chain. The certification not only validates alignment with industries that have the same foundational skills requirements, but also signals alignment to specific occupations, providing employers, workforce boards, and learners confidence in program outcomes. There is also additional value for individuals and employers; individuals doing career and education mapping through the NTH will be directed to certified education programs and employers will be able to see these certified programs when they are looking for education resources.

“The National Talent Hub™ revolutionizes how education aligns with industry,” said Clay Nagel, Senior Director of NIICA’s National Center for Skill-Based Learning (CSBL). “Through real-time feedback on job requirements and KSAs, the National Talent Hub™ helps ensure education programs remain connected to the evolving needs of employers. Coupled with NIICA’s certification process, we’re creating a framework where education and industry work together to prepare workers for meaningful careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries – careers that require the same foundational and transferrable skills.”

NIICA’s certification supports its broader workforce development initiatives, including its work as the USDOL’s national lead in the development and expansion of RAs for semiconductor and nanotechnology related industries and their supply chains. This work is being advanced under the Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors™ (GAINS™) program and supports the Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program™ (SAM-TAP™), with education programs validated for curricular alignment through the NTH often providing the Related Technical Instruction (RTI), ensuring participants receive training that aligns with industry-specific demands.

Since its inception in 2022, NIICA’s GAINS program has secured:

118 employers engaged in RAs in 27 states7,554 apprentices committed to the program3,010 active Registered Apprentices154 standards signed or under development60 colleges and related education and training providers in NIICA’s national network supporting related technical instruction

Many of the NIICA certified education providers are also a part of the Semiconductor Industry Network of Colleges™ (SINC™), a growing network of 60 colleges and related education and training providers across the country that are supporting related technical instruction. In addition to community colleges, any education program and training provider can seek NIICA certification for its programs.

These certifications and tools are part of NIICA’s broader efforts to align education, workforce development, and industry needs. Below are some of the key initiatives driving NIICA’s mission to build sustainable talent pipelines:

Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors™ (GAINS™): GAINS is a USDOL-funded RA initiative focused on revolutionizing workforce development in advanced manufacturing and tech. By prioritizing skill-based learning over traditional time-based training, GAINS provides participants with mentorship, hands-on training, and the foundational competencies necessary to excel related industries.

Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ (G.A.P.): G.A.P. bridges the gap between high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) and employment. This scalable program leverages the existing education system to integrate pre-apprenticeship frameworks with RAs, ensuring that students gain the necessary skills to seamlessly transition into promising careers in high-tech fields or pursue further education.

Semiconductor Industry Network of Community Colleges™ (SINC™): SINC connects 60 colleges and related education and training providers with employers nationwide, to ensure curriculum is aligned with job requirements, creating a national network of RTI providers to support RAs and career advancement.

National Talent Hub™ (NTH): The NTH is a state-of-the-art portal that uses advanced data analytics to connect jobseekers to employers and training programs that target their specific needs. Unlike typical job matching services that use resumes and job descriptions to create matches, the NTH uses a dynamic database of required job competencies that is continually informed by industry to provide insights into the degree of alignment between individuals, careers, and course curriculum.

Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program™ (SAM-TAP™): NIICA’s SAM-TAP initiative supports states, employers, and training providers in developing competency-based RAs. As a USDOL Intermediary, NIICA provides these services at no cost, collaborating with state apprenticeship offices and commerce departments to expand talent pipelines in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.

VetConnect & Veteran’s Fellowship Program: VetConnect connects veterans with RAs in advanced manufacturing and tech-based industries, providing additional resources through the VALOR Act to support their transition from military service into civilian careers. This initiative leverages NIICA’s Intermediary capabilities and ensures that veterans receive the support they need to succeed in high-growth fields like semiconductor manufacturing.

To learn more about NIICA’s certification process, visit www.niica.org/certification. For an in-depth look at the NTH, visit www.niica.org/national-talent-hub.

About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™

NIICA is a 501(c)(3) organization that is responsible for a national strategy to build the talent pipeline to support strategic industry sectors – tech-based industries and advanced manufacturing tied to U.S. national security and global competitiveness. 

NIICA is the nation’s leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development strategy and is the U.S. Department of Labor’s national RA industry Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding RAs throughout the semiconductor and broader nanotechnology-related industries and advanced manufacturing supply chain. All related programing and support are being advanced through NIICA’s Center for Skill-Based Learning and the National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-institute-for-industry-and-career-advancement-launches-first-of-its-kind-certification-for-advanced-manufacturing-and-tech-related-programs-302343383.html

SOURCE National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement

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Promise Exchange Program Debuts at CES in Las Vegas Showcasing 7 Tunisian Startups

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January 8, 2025

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The U.S.-funded initiative connects Tunisian entrepreneurs with U.S. and global startup communities

Explore Tunisia’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, visit with Tunisia’s Ambassador to the US, and connect with global innovators at CES January 7-10 Las Vegas, NV at the Venetian Expo Hall, Booth 50025

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Promise Project, a U.S.-funded initiative to strengthen Tunisia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, is bringing Tunisian innovation talent and startups to CES 2025 for the first time, aiming to connect Tunisian entrepreneurs with the U.S. and global startup communities.

Organized by the Tunisian American Young Professionals (TAYP), the booth will feature cutting-edge innovations from Tunisian startups in sectors such as AgTech, Energy, Robotics, Smart Cities, and Food Tech. The exhibit will spotlight Tunisia’s dynamic startup ecosystem with special guests and live demonstrations throughout the CES event.

Additionally, the program will welcome Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, the Tunisian Ambassador to the U.S. and CES along with representatives from CONECT and the French delegation from CPME (more details below).

The Promise Exchange Program is a U.S.-funded initiative in partnership with the U.S. State Department, Tunisian American Young Professionals and implemented by Deloitte.

Special Guests & In-Booth Event

Innovate Together – Building Bridges Worldwide with special guest, Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisian Ambassador to the U.S.
Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, the Tunisian Ambassador to the U.S. will be visiting the Tunisian booth at CES along with representatives from CONECT and the French delegation from CPME. 

Featured Speakers:

Mrs. Hanene Tajouri Bessassi, Ambassador of Tunisia to Washington DCHE Mrs. Nejia Gharbi,General Director of ” la Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations” – CDCMr. Tarak Triki, Managing Director Smart Capital

Date: Tues., January 7th at 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Venetian Expo, Level 2, Halls A-D, Tunisian Booth # 50025

Featured Startups
The Tunisian Companies featured at Booth 50025 (in alphabetical order):

AquaDeep | AgTech
AquaDeep is revolutionizing fish farming with AI-powered counting solutions and IoT-based data extraction tools. Our modular services support aquacultures at every stage, enhancing control and efficiency.

DeepVolt | Energy
DeepVolt develops AI solutions for E-Mobility. Our flagship product, DeepVolt Location Intelligence Assistant (DLIA), enables cities and businesses to identify profitable locations for EV charging stations in minutes.

OORB (Open Organic Robotics) | Robotics OORB (Open Organic Robotics) is a young Tunisian startup featuring the OORB framework, the Robodog quadruped educational kit, and the OORB Studio & community. Our open-source framework, built on ROS with AI at its core, offers cloud-based tools for robotics development, including AI-driven code generation, CAD design, and real-time collaboration.

Smart For Green | AgTech
Our aim is to protect at-risk forests, farms and factories from the threat of fire. Our fire protection solution for farms, forests and factories is based on a multidimensional approach: predicting risks, detecting them in time and assisting response teams.

SPIRAW | Food Tech SPIRAW combines biotechnology and IoT to offer a home-based solution for growing fresh, high-quality spirulina. Inspired by Nespresso, our innovative machine automates cultivation, paired with a mobile app for monitoring, recipes, and eco-impact tracking.

Wayout  | Smart Cities Wayout’s mission is to eliminate marine pollution and reduce floodings through sustainable solutions to the infrastructure. Our first product launched is Zigofiltre; a filter that captures waste and lets water pass easily. Today we installed a little bit more than 2000 across 22 regions in Tunisia.

WeMake3D  |  Robotics WeMake3D produces locally made 3D printers fit for both the educational and industrial use. Our goal is to build the bridge between the two fields in order to accelerate the growth of the 3D printing technology in Tunisia, the MENA region and the African continent.

To learn more about the Tunisian startups, in-booth demonstrations, or schedule meetings visit the website at www.tunisianinnovationhub.com or connect via the CES 2025 App.

About Tunisia Innovation Hub
The Tunisian Innovation Hub, part of the U.S funded PROMISE project, will showcase 7 Tunisian startups at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, NV.

Organized by Tunisian American Young Professionals (TAYP), the booth highlights innovations in AI, 3D printing, renewable energy, e-mobility, marine tech, agri-tech, smart systems.

About Promise Exchange Program
Promise was founded to strengthen the Tunisian entrepreneurial ecosystem, allowing startups to attract international investments, become more scalable, and maximize economic impact. The program features multiple programs ranging from ideation bootcamps, international exchange programs, patenting assistance, and investment readiness. 

About Tunisian American Young Professionals
A non-profit organization powered by an ever-growing community of Tunisian and American professionals across various sectors of industries. We are committed to contributing our experiences and expertise to build thriving economic opportunities and vibrant cultural exchanges between Tunisia and the US.

By connecting professionals and through public-private partnerships, we create projects and initiatives focusing on Export, Entrepreneurship, Exchange and Education.

Press Contact:
Michelle Lorge
michelle@pitchcandypr.com
615-587-4980

Click here for more details about our booth at: https://ces25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=001Pp00000aVjSOIA0

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/promise-exchange-program-debuts-at-ces-in-las-vegas-showcasing-7-tunisian-startups-302345133.html

SOURCE Tunisian American Young Professionals (TAYP)

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Empowering Mining with Green Innovation: SANY Unveils Africa’s Largest Solar-Storage-Diesel Microgrid

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January 8, 2025

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 29th, SANY Silicon Energy reached a significant milestone in the international “Solar + Storage + Diesel” microgrid power generation sector by launching the Zambia Ruida Mining Microgrid Power Project. This initiative is recognized as Africa’s largest single-unit hybrid microgrid designed for mining operations, highlighting SANY’s commitment to promoting green energy transformation and sustainable development throughout the region.

Distinguished as Africa’s largest microgrid project designed for mining activities, the venture encompasses a 13 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system in conjunction with a 39 MWh battery energy storage system and a diesel generator as a backup power source. These components synergize to form a cutting-edge integrated microgrid system seamlessly harmonizing solar, storage, and diesel technologies. The project’s primary objective is to ensure a steadfast and dependable electricity supply for mining operations, consequently achieving energy self-sufficiency, diminishing reliance on conventional energy sources, and bolstering energy efficiency and sustainability.

Exhibiting the hallmark “SANY Speed,” the project swiftly progressed from the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to its commissioning within a mere four months. Despite navigating challenges posed by Zambia’s intricate topography, severe climate conditions, and logistical impediments stemming from underdeveloped infrastructure, our team demonstrated remarkable adaptability and operational efficiency.

The successful inauguration of this project signifies a pivotal juncture in SANY’s eco-conscious mining endeavors across Africa. It lays a robust groundwork for the continent’s green energy trajectory and reinforces our unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.

Drawing on the expertise and technological capabilities developed through this initiative, SANY is dedicated to “Illuminating Africa” at “SANY Speed.” By actively driving the implementation of additional green energy projects, SANY seeks to lead global renewable energy trends and contribute Chinese innovation to the worldwide energy transition.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empowering-mining-with-green-innovation-sany-unveils-africas-largest-solar-storage-diesel-microgrid-302345136.html

SOURCE SANY Group

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The Revolution of Travel Technology Defined at FITUR 2025

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January 8, 2025

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Organized by IFEMA MADRID, the International Tourism Trade Fair brings together over 100 pioneering companies in booking management technology from around the world, from January 22 to 26.

MADRID, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a world of constant transformation, the travel industry has embraced technology as its greatest ally. Booking management, a critical component of customer experience, is one area undergoing significant revolution. Driven by technological innovation, current trends not only optimize operational efficiency but also reshape how people plan their journeys.

Amid this digital transformation, FITUR 2025, organized by IFEMA MADRID, will host the sector’s most pioneering companies under the TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY banner from January 22 to 26. This event will unveil key technological trends that are redefining how travelers search, decide, book, and review their experiences. Following a record 23% growth in 2024, Travel Technology 2025 is expanding by nearly 10%, surpassing 100 exhibiting companies.

Located in Hall 8, companies from countries including Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, the US, Brazil, Singapore, and Morocco, among others, will present cutting-edge solutions to the global tourism market. These include software solutions, online booking platforms, blockchain technology for secure and transparent management, price managers, innovative payment systems, virtual and augmented reality to inspire travel decisions, and AI-powered voice assistants for personalized service. These technologies help tourism businesses achieve their goals, enhance efficiency by automating and centralizing operations and administrative tasks, and save time and costs.

The convergence of these technologies´ points to a future where booking management will become increasingly connected and integrated. All this and more will be unveiled in the Travel Technology area, the epicenter of a vital travel sector segment undergoing rapid transformation. The travel technology industry is not only adapting to the expectations of modern travelers but is also leading the way toward a more efficient, personalized, and sustainable travel experience.

From January 22 to 26, 2025, in Hall 8 at IFEMA MADRID, FITUR Travel Technology will showcase the most cutting-edge solutions for booking management. Discover the latest developments in technology specifically designed to meet the needs of the tourism industry on: Fitur 2025 | International Tourism Fair

 

 

 

SOURCE FITUR/IFEMA MADRID

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