Representatives of the Mid Atlantic Mechatronics Partnership (MAMP) and the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers' Institute (PMMI) met in Washington on February 11, 2009 with the US Department of Labor(DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to begin the process of creating a competency model for mechatronics occupations related to the packaging industry within the hybrid manufacturing space. Eleven competency models have been created thus far in areas including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automation, financial services, and retail.

The competency model for mechatronics will be based upon the work completed during the Summer of 2008 at the Purdue Workshop on Packaging Mechatronics. This workshop, attended by representatives of industry and higher education, resulted in a conceptual model for a suite of certificates that may be offered nationally by educational providers and endorsed by PMMI. The base level certificates are designed to correspond to the knowledge and skills taught by the Industrial Maintenance Training Center of PA (IMTC) in its Advanced Manufacturing / Intetgrated Systems Technology (AM/IST) programs.

According to the DOL

A competency is the capability to apply or use a set of related knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform "critical work functions" or tasks in a defined work setting. Competencies often serve as the basis for skill standards that specify the level of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in the workplace as well as potential measurement criteria for assessing competency attainment.

A competency model is a collection of competencies that together define successful performance in a particular work setting. Competency models are the foundation for important human resource functions such as recruitment and hiring, training and development, and performance management because they specify what is essential to select for or to train and develop. Competency models can be developed for specific jobs, job groups, organizations, occupations or industries.

You canlearn more about DOL ETA competency models at their website.