January 5, 2026 — The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing the workforce for Industry 4.0, proudly announces a major milestone: the organization has officially welcomed 500 member organizations and awarded more than 100,000 certifications worldwide.

This achievement underscores SACA’s growing impact in bridging the gap between education and industry by equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing and automation. Member organizations include employers, educators, and workforce leaders who are committed to building a future-ready workforce.

“SACA has officially welcomed 500 member organizations as well as awarded 100,000 certifications,” said Jim Wall, Executive Director of SACA. “This milestone isn’t just about numbers, it’s about impact. Every certification represents someone gaining confidence, advancing their career, and helping their organization stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving economy. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the dedication of our partners and the passion of learners everywhere.”

SACA’s certifications are uniquely designed to align with real-world industry needs. Developed in collaboration with leading manufacturers, educators, and workforce development experts, the certifications validate skills in areas such as smart automation, robotics, industrial controls, and data analytics. These competencies are critical for success in Industry 4.0, where connected systems, intelligent machines, and data-driven decision-making are transforming the way businesses operate.

By offering stackable, modular certifications, SACA provides learners with flexible pathways to build skills progressively, ensuring they can adapt to new technologies as they emerge. Employers benefit by gaining confidence that certified individuals are job-ready and capable of contributing immediately to productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

SACA’s reach now extends across multiple sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, logistics, and cyber security. The organization’s member base includes community colleges, universities, high schools, and training centers, as well as Fortune 500 companies and regional manufacturers. This diverse coalition demonstrates the broad relevance of SACA’s mission: preparing a workforce that can thrive in both local and global economies.

Looking ahead, SACA is committed to expanding its reach and continuing to empower organizations and individuals. “We are looking forward to welcoming the next wave of organizations and learners into the alliance,” Wall added. “Together, we’ll continue building skills, advancing careers, and shaping the future of smart automation.”

About SACA

The Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop and deploy modular Industry 4.0 certifications for a wide range of industries.

Our vision is to provide highly affordable, accessible certifications that significantly increase the number of individuals who possess the skills represented by these credentials, thereby ensuring that companies have the highly skilled workers they need, and individuals are prepared to be successful in an Industry 4.0 world.

With the help industry partners, SACA has created certifications that are industry-driven, developed for industry by industry. They are developed through a rigorous process that begins with the creation of truly international skill standards, endorsed by leading experts in Industry 4.0 technologies throughout the world.