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Catherine “Cat” Ross
Director of Smartforce Development

Catherine Ross is an advocate for career-technical education and the future of work. In her decade-plus in U.S. manufacturing, Cat has directed North American certification and accreditation programs, organized national STEM advocacy events and skills competitions, served as liaison to and advocate for military training and veteran transition programs, and managed or supported federal workforce initiatives for apprenticeship, youth skills training, and offender re-entry. As Director of Smartforce Development, Cat champions manufacturing technology career pathways and steers AMT’s professional development product line: The Certified Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer (CMTSE) credential, Manufacturing Technology (MT) Sales Fundamentals e-learning course and workshops, and the MT University suite of e-learning classes.

Catherine Ross is an advocate for career-technical education and the future of work. In her decade-plus in U.S. manufacturing, Cat has directed North American certification and accreditation programs, organized national STEM advocacy events and skills competitions, served as liaison to and advocate for military training and veteran transition programs, and managed or supported federal workforce initiatives for apprenticeship, youth skills training, and offender re-entry. As Director of Smartforce Development, Cat champions manufacturing technology career pathways and steers AMT’s professional development product line: The Certified Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer (CMTSE) credential, Manufacturing Technology (MT) Sales Fundamentals e-learning course and workshops, and the MT University suite of e-learning classes.

Posts by Catherine “Cat” Ross
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossNov 16, 2023

Apprenticeship Successes at AMT Member Companies

To help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, AMT and IMTS are shining the spotlight on three equipment manufacturers training the workforce of the future through their apprenticeship programs: Okuma, Schunk, and United Grinding.

7m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossSep 27, 2023

Embracing the Skills of Individuals with Autism for Machining

Manufacturers tap into hidden talent by hiring people with disabilities, like The Uniquely Abled Project, connecting autism spectrum individuals with machinist roles.

7m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossAug 30, 2023

Sprinting Toward Success: M4M Raised $17.5K

By walking, running, and biking in the Miles for Manufacturing 5K, leaders at The MFG Meeting 2023 raised more than $17,500 to fuel the future of manufacturing education.

5m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJul 27, 2023

Moving Up in 3D

Meet more women who are making manufacturing move. This time, we’re focusing on additive manufacturing and meeting women who fell into the industry by chance and are now changing what’s achievable.

8m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJun 23, 2023

Mind the Gap: Diversify, Partner, & Modernize

The 2023 MFG Meeting provided a unique opportunity for manufacturing technology companies to address the industry-wide concern about the skills gap, education, while talent experts discussed the importance of filling and retaining skilled labor through...

4m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossJun 02, 2023

But FIRST, Robots

AMT recently hosted our first-ever Tech Invitational competition at our McLean, Virginia, headquarters. If you’re interested in checking out your community’s local talent, consider hosting an event like this with your local FIRST or other STEM programs.

5m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossApr 26, 2023

Industry Donation Sparks New Precision Machining Course

A small decision makes a huge impact. To help a customer out, KERN Precision swapped out an existing micro milling machine after delivery of a new unit and donated it to Laney College – increasing their applicant pool of talented machinists.

6m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossApr 03, 2023

But FIRST, Robots!

FIRST Robotics teams inspire future science and technology leaders while building practical skills. AMT was proud to host its first ever Tech Invitational competition for the teams. Learn how you can get involved.

5m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossMar 10, 2023

Moving On and Moving Up

Meet a few of the many young women who are moving on from dated stereotypes and moving up in the manufacturing industry.

8m read
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” RossMar 07, 2023

FIRST Robotics Off-season Robotics Tournament Honors Former Student

To honor the legacy of a teammate, FIRST Robotics Teams competed in a memorial tournament in the off-season to remember their classmate, push their skills, and have some fun.

4m read