Employers invited to learn about training program aimed at developing advanced manufacturing workers

Southeast Michigan-area employers are invited to attend an informational presentation to learn how the MAT² system can help them develop a skilled workforce.

LANSING, Mich. – Southeast Michigan-area employers are invited to attend an informational presentation to learn how the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT²) system can help them develop a skilled workforce with the necessary talents and training for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

“As Michigan’s economy continues to improve, more manufacturing companies are facing a shortage of skilled workers. The MAT² initiative is focused on meeting employer needs by developing a highly skilled, readily employable workforce,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “This presentation will give employers an opportunity to learn about a comprehensive, proven method for developing the workforce they need to succeed.”

Offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and participating community colleges, MAT² is an innovative training system that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience in a three-year, no-cost model. The three programs being offered in 2014 are mechatronics, design & visualization, and information technology.

The informational presentation, taking place Mar. 4 at Automation Alley in Troy, will provide overviews on the new IT and Product Design & Visualization (DV) curriculum of the MAT² system. 

The IT program aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of the origins of the study of Computer Science/IT, including its mathematical background. Areas to be covered include databases, networks, system support, programming and programming languages. 

The DV program prepares individuals to take on job duties that are involved in designing new products or modifying existing products to gain efficiencies that will permit lower cost production or faster customer reaction time.

The presentation will include two sessions, both providing overviews of the MAT² system. The 10 a.m. to noon session will provide details of the Design and Visualization area of study; the 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. session will cover the IT-Technician concentration. 

The MEDC and Orbitak International, the consulting firm responsible for administering the MAT² system, will hold the presentations. The presentation is free and employers are invited to attend one or both sessions. To register, visit here. 

For more information, contact one of the following individuals:

MEDC 
Amy Cell 
Senior VP of Talent Enhancement 
Amy@Michigan.org  

Automation Alley
Karol Friedmann
Talent Development Specialist
friedmank@automationalley.com 

Orbitak International
Dr. Thomas Baumann
MAT2 System Manager 
Thomas.Baumann@orbitak.com

Automation Alley is located at 2675 Bellingham Dr., Troy, MI 48083. For more information on the MAT² system, please visit http://www.mitalent.org/mat2/.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.