TAPPI announces National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training.

TAPPI ANNOUNCES NATIONAL NETWORK FOR PULP AND PAPER TECHNOLOGY TRAINING. TAPPI, the leading technical association for the worldwide pulp, paper, and converting industry, is pleased to announce the formation of the "National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training", to be led through Alabama Southern Community College (ASCC) in Thomasville, Alabama. This industry-education-government collaboration is unprecedented in the U.S., and comes in response to a critical need for a globally competitive workforce in the United States pulp and paper industry. The new Network will be officially announced at a press conference Tuesday May 4 during the TAPPI Spring Technical and International Environmental Conference and TAPPI Paper Summit. The press conference will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center in room C208.

The National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training builds on the success of the two-year Associate Degree program in Paper and Chemical Technology at ASCC. Working in close collaboration with local industry, Auburn University, the Alabama Technology Network (ATN), with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), ASCC has created one of the nation's leading training centers for paper and chemical workers. Industry scholarships and internships, and a state-of-the-art manufacturing laboratory have produced graduates of the two-year Associate Degree program that have hit the ground running in the pulp, paper and chemical industries.

ASCC President Dr. John Johnson refers to the new National Network as "a vision for transformation of a core American industry", working through a multi-craft curriculum for full-time technical college students, in addition to recognized continuing education for incumbent workers.

According to Wayne Gross, Executive Director for TAPPI, "Alabama Southern and its partners have created what is effectively the Americanization of the powerful European and Scandinavian technical workforce development systems."

The initial partners of the National Network are Auburn University, Mid-State Technical College and the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, Kennebec Valley Community College and the University of Maine, Lower Columbia College and the University of Washington, the University of Minnesota, and TAPPI. As the network grows, additional partners will be added.

Some of the highlights of the program include:

* a national pulp and paper technician and operator certification program incorporating skill standards and verification;

* a new annual book series containing the certification knowledge domains published in print and electronic formats;

* new/improved community college curriculum for community colleges serving regional pulp and paper manufacturers;

* a new industry standard recognizing quality continuing education and training practices.

Additional information about the National Network is available from Bob Caron, TAPPI Director of Industry Learning, 770-209-7236 or [e-mail].