Learning paths
A learning path builds one capability end to end, rather than leaving a team to pick single courses and hope the pieces fit. SCMEP has run four: two internal programmes, and two that prepare people for an SME industry certification.
Enrolment isn’t open on this site yet. The paths below are the ones SCMEP has delivered. For current dates, cohort sizes, or to run one for your team, contact the training team.
Compare the four paths
| Path | Best for | Focus | Ends with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean Kickstart | Teams starting a lean programme | Lean foundations — waste, standard work, structured problem solving | Ask the training team |
| Inspection | Quality and inspection staff on the floor | Inspection fundamentals and quality standards | Ask the training team |
| SME Certified Manufacturing Associate | People new to manufacturing | Shop math, assembly, machining, maintenance, inspection, smart manufacturing, workforce essentials | SME CMfgA certification |
| SME Electric Vehicle Fundamentals | Anyone moving into EV work | Fundamentals of electric vehicles | SME EVF certification |
The paths
Lean Kickstart
A starting point for teams beginning a lean programme — the foundations before tools get rolled out across a plant.
- Related courses: Lean 101 Overview, Standard Work
- Related: A3 problem solving, Kaizen events
Inspection
Quality and inspection fundamentals for the shop floor — the most recently active of the four paths.
- Related courses: AS9100 Overview
- Related: ISO 9001:2015 Overview
SME Certified Manufacturing Associate
Prepares people new to manufacturing for SME’s CMfgA certification — an entry-level industry credential.
- No prerequisites to sit the exam
- SME membership not required
- ~75 multiple-choice questions, online
- 70% to pass; digital badge issued
SME Electric Vehicle Fundamentals
Covers the fundamentals of electric vehicles, and is positioned by SME as a starting point for career pathways in the EV industry.
- Leads to SME’s EVF certification
- Entry point for EV manufacturing work
Which path fits?
If your team is new to lean, Lean Kickstart comes first — the tools land badly without the foundations. If quality escapes are the problem, start with Inspection.
The two SME paths are different in kind: they prepare people for a recognised industry certification rather than an internal programme. CMfgA suits new hires and career changers. EVF suits teams moving into electric vehicle work.
Certification details above are SME’s, not SCMEP’s — see the SME Certified Manufacturing Associate certification page (opens in a new tab) for current requirements. Note the acronym is CMfgA; CMA is an unrelated accounting credential.