Leaders from both organizations gathered Nov. 2 to reaffirm their commitment to expanding educational opportunities and recognizing the value of workplace training. For working adults balancing jobs, families and other responsibilities, the partnership offers a more accessible and affordable path to a college credential. It allows them to build on skills they have already acquired, saving time and money as they pursue their educational and career goals.
"By recognizing approved TMA coursework for college credit, we're helping students continue their education without duplicating coursework,” said Oakton College President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D. "When students can turn their skills and experience into college credentials, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Students create new possibilities for themselves and their families, employers gain skilled professionals, and our local industries and communities grow stronger."
“Manufacturing needs a strong, highly skilled workforce, and that requires creating more accessible pathways for people to enter the industry, advance their skills, and build rewarding careers,” said Patrick Osborne, President and CEO of the Technology and Manufacturing Association. “Our longstanding partnership with Oakton College recognizes that learning doesn't happen exclusively in a classroom. The technical knowledge and skills individuals develop through TMA training and apprenticeships have real value, and giving students the opportunity to translate that experience into college credit is a meaningful step forward. Together, we're helping individuals advance their careers while giving manufacturers access to the talent and capabilities they need to remain competitive.”
The collaboration also strengthens the region's manufacturing workforce. As manufacturers increasingly adopt automation, robotics and advanced technologies, the demand for skilled professionals who can adapt to evolving industry needs continues to grow.
Oakton and TMA have collaborated since 2014 to connect education with industry needs. In 2023, the organizations expanded their partnership to establish four apprenticeship pathways in advanced automation, CNC programming, tool and die making and mold making.Under the agreement, students who complete qualifying TMA training can receive up to 18 college credits toward an associate degree in Advanced Manufacturing or a Computer Numerical Control certificate at Oakton. Additionally, students can complete the first year of any TMA apprenticeship program — or the first two years of the CNC Programmer program — at Oakton before continuing their training at TMA’s Schaumburg location. The agreement also provides opportunities for students to complete coursework through either organization, creating more flexible pathways to industry-recognized credentials.
The partnership also aligns with Oakton's Vision 2030 strategic plan, which emphasizes workforce readiness, community engagement and creating opportunities for social and economic mobility.
Under the Computer-Integrated Manufacturing umbrella, Oakton offers three associate degrees and eleven certificates organized into Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Mechatronics and Industrial Automation pathways. To learn more about available programs and career pathways, visit Oakton's academic catalog.
Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association whose mission is to partner with small and midsize manufacturers to help protect, promote and grow their businesses through practical products, programs, services, and solutions. With nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant, TMA offers a range of industry training. To learn more, email education@tmaillinois.org.