THE AUTOMATION FEDERATION NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Bernard H. Penney
(919) 990-9291
bpenney@automationfederation.org
Authoritative Recognition for the Automation Profession by the U.S. Government
Research Triangle Park, NC (21 July 2009) – The Automation Federation reports that the automation profession has been recognized by two groups within the United States government.
The first occurred on 30 June 2009 when the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations included language in their 2010 Congressional budget report that recognizes the importance of automation for the future of manufacturing in the United States. The language directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) to consider the importance that automation plays in accelerating and integrating manufacturing processes. The language also encourages NIST and MEP to consult and collaborate with independent experts in the field of automation.
On 30 June 2009, Senator Barbara Mikulski, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted report language (including the excerpt shown below) to accompany H. R. 2847 (Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010). Already, H. R. 2847 has passed the House. View the full report.
"Supporting the Nation's manufacturers, especially small businesses, is critical to keeping America innovative in a global marketplace. ITS [Industrial Technology Services] provides a bridge for advancing cutting-edge technologies with cost-saving measures. The Committee is encouraged by the administration's healthy request for ITS, which shows a genuine intention to partner with industry for the benefit of the Nation's future. The Committee supports NIST's requested allocation of funding for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Program [MEP] and the Technology Innovation Program.
Within MEP, NIST, and its partners are directed to consider the importance automation plays in accelerating and integrating manufacturing processes. The topic of automation cuts across all levels of industry, rather than serving as a stand-alone technology, and particularly affects the fields of control systems cyber security, industrial wireless sensors, systems interoperability, and other basic automation technologies necessary for the success of industrial enterprises. NIST is encouraged to consult and collaborate with independent experts in the field of automation to support the agency's efforts in working with industry to increase innovation, trade, security, and jobs."
The Automation Federation is poised to provide the encouraged expert collaboration through their ongoing communications and relationships with NIST and MEP.
Mike Marlowe, director of government relations for the Automation Federation, said, "We look forward to seeing this language become part of an official bill, and encourage the Members of Congress to contact us to learn more about automation, automation professionals, and the importance they play in the future viability of U.S. manufacturing."
The second recognition occurred on 16 July, when the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) revised the 2010 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)—the accepted U.S. federal government statistical standard on instructional program)—to include new codes for:
- Automation Engineer Technology/Technician - Code 15.0406
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician is describes as, "a program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, installing, calibrating, modifying, and maintaining automated systems. Includes instruction in computer systems; electronics and instrumentation; programmable logic controllers (PLCs); electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems; actuator and sensor systems; process control; robotics; applications to specific industrial tasks; and report preparation." Learn more.
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering - CIP Code 14.4201
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering is described as, "a program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of computer controlled electro-mechanical systems and products with embedded electronics, sensors, and actuators; and which includes, but is not limited to, automata, robots, and automation systems. Includes instruction in mechanical engineering, electronic and electrical engineering, computer and software engineering, and control engineering."
The CIP is used to report data collected on postsecondary education program completers by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The NCES survey program (at the postsecondary education levels) provides statistical information used by planners, policymakers, and educators in addressing a multitude of issues. One major source of this information is the annual Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Survey, which provides a variety of data on the nation's 9,800 public and private postsecondary institutions. NCES is planning to start using the version of the CIP with these new codes in the Fall 2010 IPEDS Completions Survey, which will include program completions during the 2009-10 school year.
Paul Goodson, managing director of the Automation Federation said, "This is a significant recognition for the automation profession by the Department of Education for the Automation Federation and the profession we represent. This recognition by DOE is an important milestone in our efforts to include these occupations in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Inclusion in the SOC will be a great victory for the automation professionals in the U.S. and across the globe. Official recognition of our profession is one of our goals, and we are excited to see how much closer this recognition has brought us to its fruition."
Kim Miller-Dunn, chair of the Automation Federation, said, "Automation professionals everywhere should celebrate this recognition from the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations and Department of Education. No longer are we relegated to playing just a minor role in industry. We have been recognized for the importance our work plays in technological advancement for manufacturing and industry as a whole, and to the overall improvement of our quality of life. This language brings us one step closer to the recognition and esteem automation professionals have long been denied."
About National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
Learn more at www.nist.gov
About Department of Education (a.k.a. ED)
ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
Learn more at www.ed.gov/index.jhtml
About the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations. NCES is located within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences.
Learn more at http://nces.ed.gov/
About the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
IPEDS is the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. It is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). IPEDS gathers information from every college, university, and technical and vocational postsecondary institution that participates in the federal student financial aid programs. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, requires that institutions that participate in federal student aid programs report data on enrollments, program completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial aid. These data are made available to students and parents through the College Navigator college search website and to researchers and others through the IPEDS Data Center.
Learn more at http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
About Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)
Defined as, "a taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that capture the majority of reportable data," the CIP is the accepted federal government statistical standard on instructional program classifications, and is used in a variety of education information surveys and databases. The CIP is used to report data collected on postsecondary education program completers (2 and 4 year colleges, as well as private business and technical schools) by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Learn more at http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/Default.aspx?y=55
About Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. All workers are classified into one of over 820 occupations according to their occupational definition. To facilitate classification, occupations are combined to form 23 major groups, 96 minor groups, and 449 broad occupations. Each broad occupation includes detailed occupation(s) requiring similar job duties, skills, education, or experience.
Learn more at www.bls.gov/soc/home.htm
About Automation Federation
The Automation Federation is a global umbrella organization under which member associations and societies engaged in manufacturing and process automation activities can work more effectively to fulfill their missions, advance the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications and develop the workforce needed to capitalize on the benefits of automation. The Automation Federation is working to become the "Voice of Automation." For more information about the Automation Federation, visit www.automationfederation.org.
