The Machine Tool Advanced Skills Technology Program (MAST) is a geographical partnership of six of the nation's best two-year colleges located in the six states that have about one-third of the density of metals-related industries in the United States. The purpose of the MAST grant is to develop and implement a national training model to overcome skill shortages in the machine tool industry and metals-related industries for certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree options. MAST is intended to address these issues: increase awareness and identify career opportunities; develop school-to-work programs; upgrade skills of out-of-school unemployed and existing industry employees; and establish curricula standards with industry validated competencies and apprenticeship/internships with industrial partners. MAST partners are design and development centers, test centers, manufacturing technology centers, federal labs supporting metal and machinery, and companies. The MAST methodology includes the following: (1) identification of machinist competency profile duties and tasks; (2) preparation of a "Technical Workplace Competency/Crosswalk" identifying each required course; (3) development of an "Exit Level Proficiency Matrix" for the technical workplace competencies; and (4) identification of expected competencies and foundation skills expected of potential employers that were identified by the Secretary of Labor's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). A national survey is planned after specific company skills standards have been completed. (YLB)