KEYSTONE: Manufacturing Systems Support

Work ED connects education with real-world experience through work-integrated learning. We partner with schools, districts, and industry to design pathways that prepare learners for high-growth careers in technology, business, and skilled trades. Our programs blend classroom learning with authentic employer projects, mentorship, and recognized micro-credentials—building the technical and professional skills that employers value most.

Learning Outcomes

• A learner who earns this Keystone Credential can:
• Demonstrate professional, safe, and reliable conduct in classroom, shop, and workplace environments.
• Apply a suite of technical competencies across fabrication, machining, measurement, electro-mechanical systems, automation, sensors, quality control, and process monitoring.
• Use digital, analytical, and AI-enhanced tools to support production lines, troubleshoot basic system faults, and interpret process indicators.
• Perform supervised operational and maintenance tasks to employer standards in a manufacturing setting.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and technical teams.
• Compile and present a professional evidence portfolio showing validated workplace competencies, reflections, and task-based demonstrations.
• Demonstrate readiness for employment or further technical training such as machine operator preparation, process control technician training, or apprenticeship pathways.

Credential Requirements

The Keystone Credential is awarded ONLY upon completion of all three Meta-Credentials:

Tier 1 Meta-Credential — Career Ready Foundations (70 hours)

• Includes micro-credentials in:
• Career Exploration (RIASEC)
• Workplace Safety Systems & Practices
• CPR / First Aid (Foundations)
• Career Planning & Navigation
• Employability Skills Foundations

Tier 2 Meta-Credential — Technical Foundations: Manufacturing Systems Support (350 hours) Includes micro-credentials in:

• Shop & Industrial Safety Foundations
• Industrial Math & Measurement
• Fabrication & Materials Handling Basics
• Precision Machining & Quality Checks (Intro)
• Electro-Mechanical Systems & Sensors (Intro)
• Process Monitoring & Control Fundamentals
• AI Literacy & Systems (Level 10)
• AI Sector Module – Trades, Manufacturing & Transportation
• AI TMT Sector Specialization: Fabrication Robotics Support & QC Analytics

Tier 3 Meta-Credential — Work-Integrated Learning: Manufacturing Systems Support (100 hours) Includes: Worksite Orientation & Safety Mid-Term Employer Competency Evaluation End-Term Employer Competency Evaluation Evidence of Learning Portfolio

• 75 verified hours in a Work Experience 15 placement aligned to manufacturing

Total Hours

70 + 350 + 100 = 520 hours + Additional supervised practice and employer-validated task time → 600 hour total (Work ED Keystone Credentials reflect the true cumulative effort, including supervised labs, applied practice, and workplace performance.)

Assessment & Evidence

To receive the Keystone Credential, a learner must provide:

• Verified completion of all 12 Micro-Credentials
• Verified completion of all 3 Meta-Credentials
• Employer-validated performance evaluations

A complete Work ED Evidence Portfolio demonstrating:

• Safety & professionalism
• Technical task competency
• Problem-solving and communication
• Process monitoring, QC tasks, and AI-aligned work tasks

A final reflective submission: “My Readiness for a Manufacturing Technician Pathway”