Having completed his Master’s degree in Engineering Physics at Appalachian State University in August 2013, JK has a passion for working in science and engineering, and would like to continue in an innovative and rapidly-evolving industry. With his experiences as a Research Assistant for NASA Electrostatics & Surface Physics Laboratory in Cape Canaveral, FL, and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Appalachian State University Department of Physics in North Carolina, JK will add value to your team in the areas of leadership, interfacing, instrumentation, automation, and software engineering solutions. JK is proficient in microcontrollers, analog & digital circuits, AC & DC motors, virtual instrument development, various programming language, and other hardware and equipment functions. His core competencies include personal engagement, continuous learning, oral and written communication, analytical problem solving, and creativity.

To learn more about JK, please contact the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Is your company in need of skilled technicians? The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is currently deploying the Michigan Advanced Technician Training Program (MAT²), an innovative and industry-defined approach to education. Benchmarked on the German Dual Education System, MAT² is an educational model, developed in conjunction with global technology leaders, that will combine theory, practice, and work experience to train a globally competitive workforce by:

• Creating a nationally accredited program, in which students receive an associate's degree, along with other accreditations.
• Using industry-defined competencies and requirements to create highly-skilled, capable, and readily-employable graduates.
• Allow companies to "grow their own" employees and ensure their own professional competency standards are met by being directly involved in the education and training process.
• Establishing Michigan as an education innovator and global competitor.

MAT² is currently looking for industry partners to participate in a range of professions for the 2014-2015 programs, including Mechatronics, Design & Visualization (product design), and Information Technology.

Companies that express interest in participating with the 2014-2015 programs by Saturday, February 15, 2014 will be given priority status, and an opportunity to participate in the first Company Fair held in early March, where employers will have a chance to showcase their company and meet with prospective employees and MAT² students who have met all application requirements. A reservation form and additional information can be found on the MAT² Employer Page!

Please contact Jacqui Mieksztyn, Manager, Talent Programs, MAT2@michigan.org with any questions.

The Business Leaders for Michigan will be holding the 2014 Leadership Summit: Building a New Michigan on March 10, 2014 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI.

The summit will feature various CEOs from around the state of Michigan to discuss their companies and leadership techniques. The summit will be a great way for companies and employers to learn and network with one another.

There is no cost to attend the summit. For more information, you can contact:

Jennifer Hayes 

Business Leaders for Michigan

313-259-5400

jenniferh@businessleadersformichigan.com

Alpena Public Schools hosted High School Career Day January 30, 2014. The day began at 7 a.m. with breakfast served to 45 representatives from the local business community. They were prepared to speak with approximately 1,300 students about career path, education, experience and training. Each presenter had seven information-packed, 20 minute sessions throughout the day.

Keri Collins, talent specialist from the Alpena MW!NC made her presentation to about 170 kids. She spoke about the services offered at Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium including resume writing and interviewing skills. She noted (with the exception of one sleeper), students were polite and interested, asking questions and had requests for more details to be sent later. 

Other businesses participating were Century 21, Crow Reality, Bannan Funeral Home, Michigan State Police, Alpena County Board of Education, Alpena Fire Department, 26th Judicial Circuit Court and Lafarge.

The Business Solutions Professional (BSP) training employs a demand-driven approach and teaches today’s professionals how to play a more responsive role in retaining and creating jobs.

What does a BSP do?

A BSP works with the business to:

• Understand challenges / identify opportunities
• Discover and diagnose problems
• Design solutions that integrate workforce and economic development, education, and government assets to address pressing issues

Who can become a BSP?

Anyone focused on attracting new business, preventing the decline of current local business and facilitating strategic workforce partnerships.

How can I become certified?

Certification requires successful completion of the Business Solutions Professional training’s coursework and fieldwork.

Participants are expected to attend and actively participate in all sessions and complete required assignments.

For more information, or to register for BSP certification, click here.