M3 Credential: "Real Life Value"

CARTHAGE - "This was more than just graduating with a certification, the M3 Credential had real life value to Taron," said Cynthia Blackstock, Technology Applications Instructor at Leake County Technical Center.

Taron Burks was one of ten Technology Applications students from Leake County Technical Center who received their Modern Multi-Skill Manufacturing (M3) Production and Advanced Production Level Certifications during a ceremony Thursday, May 7.  This is the first Technology Applications class from Leake Tech to earn the M3 Credential, which is supported by the West Alabama - East Mississippi (WAEM) Regional Initiative.

"The Amatrol training gave Taron a better understanding of schematics through the required blue print reading skills," said Blackstock. "These are useful tools to Taron which will help advance his military career." Taron is a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

The M3 Certification program connects to WAEM’s Amatrol "Anytime-Anywhere" training system.  These are online, virtual training modules developed by Amatrol for some of America’s top modern manufacturing companies.  The Amatrol software simulates Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities with mathematics and physics.  It offers hands-on activities that mirror physics textbooks, current lab manuals, and algebra equations.

Students with this certification qualify for multi-disciplines within the industrial work environment giving them a competitive edge during the hiring process.  This regionally accepted credential shows a prospective employer that the right core technical skills and knowledge to perform the job have been achieved, saving time and training dollars for the company. 

"This class really impacted the seniors," said Cynthia Blackstock, Technology Applications Instructor at Leake County Technical Center. "Rather than just having a diploma, many of the students felt this certification was an accomplishment that gives them a leg up on society and will help them in their futures."

Front row (l to r) Eric Beamon; Derrick Clark; Keith Phillips; Brandon Caldwell; Chip Beem

Back row (l to r) Blake Warren, East Central Community College Advanced Skills Trainer; Taron Burks; Dena Hines; Dennis Harvey; Clyde Tate; Crosby McDonald; Cynthia Blackstock, Technology Applications Instructor