The skills gap is a nation-wide issue affecting employers, employees, and the educational/training system, as all concerned have an interest in seeing appropriately skilled workers for the jobs needed by employers.
During the summer of 2012, inspired by an employer led training program created by economic development and workforce partners in Kalamazoo, work began in Muskegon on a new training program that developed into the Advanced Manufacturing Institute.
Partners included the Muskegon Area First Economic Development Corp., Michigan Works! Muskegon/Oceana, the Employer’s Association, the city of Muskegon, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Community College, and representatives of various industrial companies. This conveniently timed, eight-week, 96-hour class, is geared for current employees of companies as well as those looking for work in the manufacturing sector.
In the first session, which began January 7, there were 12 participants from a variety of companies including CWC Kautex Textron, GMI Composites, Great Lakes Finishing, Michigan Spring & Stamping, Nowak Machine, and Scherdel Sales and Technology. Two participants selected through Michigan Works, were sponsored by Sun Chemical. As part of the training, participants were exposed to an Industry Introduction and Plant Tour, Lean 5S, Applied Math Fundamentals, Basic Mechanical, Basic Electrical, Industrial Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Quality Management, Statistical Process Control, Introduction to Programmable Logic Control, Basic Industrial Fluid Power, Root Cause Analysis/Problem Solving, Team Member and Team Workgroup Participation.
A graduation ceremony for the initial class of participants is being held March 7 at Muskegon Community College. Due to the success of the initial session, a second edition of this training is scheduled to begin September 9, 2013. For more information about the program, including sign up information, please visit www.muskegoncc.edu/ami.
For more information contact Dan Rinsema-Sybenga at (231) 777-0569 or by email at dan.rinsema-sybenga@muskegoncc.edu.