july 8, 2014

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Applications are still being accepted for the 2014 MAT2 program

Do you know a recent high school graduate or college student that is interested in earning a degree while getting paid to go to school and obtain valuable hands on experience? If so, the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program could be a perfect fit! Manufacturing and technology companies are experiencing a shortage of employees with the knowledge, skills, and education necessary to operate and maintain new systems-based equipment and technology. The MAT2 program is an educational model developed in conjunction with global technology leaders that combines theory, practice, and work to help train a globally competitive workforce in the cutting-edge fields of Mechatronics, Information Technology, and Technical Product Design. MAT2 will provide students with: A three-year training program with all tuition costs paid for by an employer On-the-job training with pay An associate degree in a high-tech, in-demand field A guaranteed job upon successful completion of the program Students will earn while they learn, alternating between classroom training at a participating community college, and on-the-job training with an employer, acquiring marketable skills and valuable knowledge along the way. Individuals who submit their application prior to July 15, 2014 will have an opportunity to participate in the next MAT2 Company Fair on Friday, July 18 in Auburn Hills! At the MAT2 Company Fair, applicants will interview with participating employers with the purpose of matching companies and students to begin the program in September 2014. Questions? Click here. MAT2 Information Session on Thursday, July 10 at Henry Ford Community College from 1pm-4pm.  This is your opportunity to learn more about MAT2 and complete the application process, all in one day! The MAT2 presentation will take place from 1pm-2pm, while the testing center will be open from 2pm-4pm for students who need to take the COMPASS test and apply online. Students who plan on taking the COMPASS test must bring their SSN and a photo ID. To complete the MAT2 application, please bring a copy of your updated resumes, and up to three reference letters (optional).  Registration is required! Please contact Kim Rovinski at kim.rovinski@orbitak-international.com, or 248.990.3054 to register today.

Entry-2-Expert program offered by Entry Tech

Expert Technical Training, or Expert Tech, is an employee development and training company born out of the West Michigan precision machining and die/mold industry. Expert Tech offers online and classroom instruction from experienced industry professionals who are also certified educators.

The Entry-2-Expert Program is a new educational opportunity for manufacturers in the Grand Rapids area. The program has been designed to take a no-nonsense approach to educate the next generation of skilled manufacturing workers. Using a variety of methods, including a hybrid strategy that combines modern online training with time-tested classroom instruction, Entry-2-Expert offers in-depth classes that will begin to strategically rebuild the skill-base in the Precision CNC Machining and Die / Mold industry in the Grand Rapids area.

Like the name implies, Entry-2-Expert is designed to take all workers from the "entry-level" to becoming experienced industry "experts." To accomplish this, the program offers classes that develop everything from the core knowledge groups like shop math, print reading, precision measurement and basic CNC concepts—to modern essentials like shop-floor communication and leadership, high-speed machining and Lean manufacturing!

3D printing offerings at Monroe County Community College

The associate of applied science degree with specialization in Mechanical Design Technology is designed to prepare students for careers that follow the design process of a manufactured product from inspiration to final production. Automobiles, furniture, kitchen appliances, laptop computers, cell phones- the list of consumer products designed by people in this field could go on forever.

Mechanical design students receive training in the latest solid-modeling computer aided design (CAD) software. The CAD programs utilized in the design program are AutoCAD, inventor, SolidWorks and Catia. Possessing skills and knowledge in multiple CAD programs make our design graduates more marketable - it is all about having an edge.

Mechanical design is a dynamic field that attracts talented, creative people. The need for advanced technology products in the medical, transportation and energy fields, as well as the growing global competition among businesses is expected to keep designers busy.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of commercial and industrial designers is expected to grow 9 percent between 2008 and 2018, as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will arise from an increase in consumer and business demand for new or upgraded products.

MCCC incorporates 3D printing on different materials into its Mechanical Design Technology program.  Within the MDTC program, there are two certification courses, Certified SolidWorks Associate Exam (CSWA) and Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) Exam.

Training for HOT Jobs at Washtenaw Community College

Accelerated Training in HVACR (CTAHTR) This program focuses on HVACR training. Safety, installation, service and equipment troubleshooting will be the key objectives. The class will be taught from Local Union training centers or mobile training centers to allow the United Association to offer the program where the demand for these skills are the greatest. This program is limited to students who are selected by the United Association for program participation Accelerated Training in Welding (CTAWTR) This program focuses on Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Oxy-fuel Cutting processes for the pipe fitting industry. After completion of this program, students will be admissible into an apprenticeship program at a second-year level. This program is limited to students who are selected by the United Association for program participation. Apprentice Completion (CTAC) This program gives skilled tradespersons who are sponsored by qualified organizations the opportunity to apply trade-related credits from their apprenticeship programs toward a WCC Certificate. Students must be sponsored by a qualified organization to enroll in this program. Construction Supervision (CTCNS) This Construction Supervision Certificate program enables apprentice and journey-level members of the articulated union building trade apprenticeship programs to enter the job market with knowledge and skills in planning, organizing and supervising construction projects. This certificate provides an option for those who want to attain a higher position in the construction field and for those desiring to start their own companies.

Ironworking Apprenticeships Programs offered by Ironworkers` Local 25’s Training Center

Ironworkers` Local 25’s Training Center has a mission. That mission is to provide our contractors with the best trained, highly skilled, safe, and productive ironworkers possible. This will ensure that our contractors and customers get the best value for their dollar.

To ensure that we accomplish this goal we have built a state of the art training center in Wixom, MI. The new training center is a 31,500 square foot facility that provides classroom and hands on training for all jurisdictions of the ironworking trade. This includes 7,500 square feet of office/classroom space, and 24,000 square feet of shop for hands on training.

There are currently six different apprenticeship programs available in Local 25; each pertains to a type of work performed within our jurisdiction.  While the work is very rewarding, it is not for everyone.  It requires a sense of pride, commitment to quality, good dexterity, and mechanical skills.  The work is very physically demanding and much of it is performed outside, high in the air, on muddy constriction sites in the heat of summer as well as the dead of winter.  When applying you must select one or more of the following programs that you are interested in, the more programs that you select, the better your chances of getting in.  A brief explanation of each program is shown below:

• Journeyman Ironworker (4 year program): The Journeyman Ironworker can perform all types of Ironwork, but the vast majority of the work that is performed by this classification is structural ironwork.  This consists of the fabrication, handling, and erection of structural steel columns, beams and other members by welding or bolting.  This work is primarily in the industrial and commercial sector on structures such as: towers, bridges, stadiums, high and low rise buildings, steel mills, hospitals, schools, conveyor systems, and other structures.
• Reinforcing Ironworker (3 year program): Reinforcing Ironworkers unload, handle, and place reinforcing steel, post tensioning systems and wire mesh by tying and sometimes welding.  Reinforced concrete is used in all types of concrete construction including caissons, foundations, bridges, retaining walls, parking structures, wastewater treatment facilities, high and low rise buildings, and many other structures.
• Rigger / Machinery Mover (3 year program): Riggers load, unload, move, haul, and set machinery, equipment, and materials using power hoists, cranes, gantries, fork trucks, jacks, and other equipment.  They use and have knowledge of fiber line, wire rope, skids, rollers, and proper hand signals.  Riggers drive semi-tractor trailers, therefore all applicants must be eligible for and obtain a class A CDL
• Metal Building Erector (3 year program): These specialized Ironworkers erect pre-engineered metal buildings.  These buildings are constructed of standardized components which make them all similar in construction.  The scope of work includes erecting the structural framework, installing the insulation, metal siding, metal roof system, gutters and trim.
• Architectural Ornamental Ironworker (3 year program) These Ironworkers install curtain wall, window systems, skylights, exterior composite panels, metal siding, metal roofs, louvers, clay tiles, entrance doors, overhead doors, specialty doors, and other architectural finish materials and systems.
• Fence Erector (3 year program):  Fence Erectors handle, layout and erect many different types of fences and barriers.  These include but are not limited to, chain link fence systems, privacy, mesh, security, ornamental, gates, blast fence and sound wall.  They also install highway guard rail and signage.

Calendar of Events

July 10th – Girl Develop It Git & Version Control: Demystified 

August 27th -- Michigan Virtual Career Fair 

October 3rd -- 2014 Summit - Closing the Stem Talent Gap