Michigan employers are invited to take part in the Fall 2015 session of the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program, an innovative training initiative that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience in a three-year program in the fields of mechatronics, information technology, technical product design, and the newly-added field of Computer Numerical Control (CNC).
“Michigan’s business future and our state’s economic vitality will depend on a workforce with the necessary talents and training for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The MAT² program is a first step toward meeting critical employer needs and will equip students with experience and skills they need to succeed in today’s high-tech world.”
Launched in 2013 by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, MAT2 has expanded to the following colleges: Baker College, (Cadillac and Charlevoix), Delta College, Lansing Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Mott Community College and North Central Michigan College (Petoskey).
Current participating colleges are Henry Ford College, Oakland Community College and Macomb Community College. To see the list of MAT2 program areas offered by each of the participating colleges, visit: http://www.mitalent.org/mat2-employer-information/.
MAT2 is currently seeking industry partners to participate in the four program areas of mechatronics, information technology, technical product design, and
Computer Numerical Control (CNC). Benefits of partnering with MAT2 include:
Training students on in-house equipment;
Standardized competencies and practices;
A pipeline of well-trained talent as an outcome;
Bridging today’s skills gap and aging workforce.
Through the MAT2 initiative, students will earn an associate’s degree from a participating college, while they earn a paycheck and gain on the job experience with a participating company. Tuition is paid for by the employer, and in exchange, the student commits to remaining on the job for at least two years after successful completion of the program.
“The MAT2 initiative is focused on meeting employer needs and will equip students with experience and skills they need to succeed in today’s high-tech world,” said MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood. “The MAT2 programs are a great way for employers to grow their own employees and ensure their own professional competency standards are met by being directly involved in the educational and training processes.”
Registration for all webinars is available at this link: https://events-na10.adobeconnect.com/content/connect/c1/1051360766/en/events/catalog.html?folder-id=1141992221.
For more information on the MAT² program, please visit http://www.mitalent.org/mat2/.
Source: MEDC