To register contact ASUN Workforce Development at  workforce@asun.edu or call (870) 680-8717.

ASUN's Manufacturing Essentials Course is a 45-hour hybrid course that prepares students to sit the Certified Manufacturing Associate Exam.  This courses provides students with the requisite skills to produce quality work in a safe manner within a manufacturing.  The first 22 hours of this course is delivered in person and the remaining hours are self-paced.

This course is designed for individuals new to manufacturing who may not currently possess enough knowledge or experience to be competitive for manufacturing employment. This might include high school students, dislocated workers, and individuals coming from other non-manufacturing sectors who wish to pursue a role as an assembler, manufacturing associate, production laborer and other entry-level manufacturing occupations. 

Covering fundamental topics such as shop math, assembly, maintenance, machining, inspection, and more, this industry-driven course demonstrates to prospective employers that the individual has basic knowledge of manufacturing and may be an ideal candidate for entry-level manufacturing employment.

SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) is an industry certification focused on basic manufacturing concepts, demonstrating an individual's potential for high-demand, entry-level manufacturing roles. It was designed for individuals new to manufacturing who may not currently possess enough knowledge or experience for more advanced technical certifications. It is not required that individuals be SME members to pursue the certification.

The Certified Manufacturing Associate offers an initial step into a technology-rich industry filled with opportunities for continued growth and advancement into higher level positions. The CMfgA can be a first step and feeder into these more advanced technical certifications offering careers with higher pay and skills. 

This 45-hour course is comprised of the following:

• Manufacturing Math
• Quality Basics for Manufacturing
• Precision Measurement
• Print Reading Basics
• Forklift Operation and Safety
• General Industry OSHA-10
• Hand and Power Tool Utilization
• Mechanical Drives
• Assembly Processes
• 5S and Lean Concepts

 Credential Awarded:

• General Industry OSHA-10 Card
• ASUN Certificate of Completion
• College Credit*
• Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA)

In-person classes begin January 20, 2025 and end on January 23, 2025. The class are Monday through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. 

The remaining content is delivered online and is directed, but self-paced. 

This course is one of the 4 programs required to complete the Manufacturing Technician Program.

Cost: This course is free to qualifying students. Grand funding and scholarships are available for students and employers.  The course fee without grant funding or scholarships is $800.00.  Payment plans are available for students and deferred billing is available for employers. 

Contact workforce@asun.edu to register and apply for scholarships.

*College credit can be awarded after a successful application made to the college.