A lot of people talk about the gap between the jobs available and the kinds of skills available in those applying for jobs. Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Glen Oaks Community College and the region’s top manufacturers are doing something about it.
A new Production Technician Academy will launch this spring and applications are being accepted.
The date for the academy is yet to be determined, but what has been finalized is a scholarship fund of $44,000 contributed by local manufacturers. The fee is $1,600 per student. Scholarships will be available to pay for the academy fee.
Each session of the academy is expected to accommodate 16 students, who will study for four-and-a-half weeks to prepare for entry level positions and successful, long-term careers in manufacturing. When they graduate they will have a transcript that demonstrates they have the skills and competencies that manufacturers need.
The need for qualified applicants was a concern shared by the 24 area manufacturers, who participate in the
Southwest Michigan Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, and were part of the collaborative effort that identified the available opportunities in manufacturing.
"We believe that the curriculum which has been developed for the Academy will provide a great foundation for graduates and provide us with entry level employees who are ready to hit the ground running," says Dave Maurer, CFO and Vice President of Operations at Humphrey Products.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Dawn Kemp, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
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