Oct 4th, 2012

LAKE WALES – Students enrolled in the Automation and Production Technology Academy at Lake Wales High School are busy preparing for their MSSC safety certification tests.

Luckily, the 20 students are getting some valuable test preparation help from local industry experts. Florida’s Natural Growers – which sponsors the Academy program – recently sent Carrie Vessels to review OSHA regulations and standards in manufacturing. She talked to students about a wide range of topics, and demonstrated personal protection equipment and walkway safety.

Lake Wales Fire Marshal Henry Croley visited the Academy twice to review aspects of fire safety and how to use a fire extinguisher.  On the second visit, Croley brought a Lake Wales fire engine and several firefighters to answer questions. The guests included Lt. Dean Copson, and firefighters Mike Gamez, Aaron Prevatte, and Vince Garrett.

The goal of the Automation and Production Technology Academy is for students to successfully test in safety, maintenance, production, and quality to receive a certificate as a Certified Production Technician (CPT).  The Academy is sponsored by Florida’s Natural Growers.

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is an industry-led, standards-based, training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s front-line production and supply chain logistics workers. The nationwide MSSC system, based upon industry-defined and federally-endorsed national standards, offers both new and incumbent manufacturing workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly needed in the high-growth, technology-intensive jobs of the 21^st century.

PHOTO: Fire Marshal Henry Croley and several Lake Wales firefighters brought a fire engine on one of their visits to Lake Wales High to meet with students.

PHOTO:         Carrie Vessels, a representative from Florida’s Natural Growers, reviewed OSHA regulations with the students.