Employers invited to learn about MAT2 training program an innovative and industry-defined approach to education

Employers looking to learn more about the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT²®) program can register for an upcoming MAT2 Employer Informational webinar, taking place December 10, 2014 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Lansing, Mich. – Employers looking to learn more about the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT²®) program can register for an upcoming MAT2 Employer Informational webinar, taking place December 10, 2014 from 2 to 3 p.m. The webinar will provide a program overview and discuss the benefits of MAT2. 

“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 webinar will give employers an opportunity to learn about a comprehensive, proven method for developing the workforce they need to succeed.”

MAT2 is an innovative and industry-defined approach to education. MAT2 was developed in order to address two critical issues facing the manufacturing and technology industries: a widening skills gap and an aging workforce. This initiative functions similar to an apprenticeship program, where students alternate between classroom instruction and on-the-job training, gaining the necessary hands-on skills and real-world experiences for them to become a successful and productive member of the workforce. 

Similarly, this program is beneficial for employers for several reasons:

1. Allows companies to “grow their own” employees and ensure a future pipeline of qualified talent. 
2. Direct employer involvement in the development and execution of a hands-on, competency-based education and training program, creating highly skilled, capable and readily employable graduates.
3. Creates a nationally accredited program, in which students receive an associate degree, along with other accreditations where applicable.
4. Establishes Michigan as an education innovator and global competitor. 
5. Offers an economically feasible option to education in which employers provide tuition reimbursement, school stipends and an increasing hourly wage.

Over the next year, MAT2 will offer training opportunities in the following occupational areas:

• Information Technology 
• Technical Product Design
• CNC

In August 2014, MAT2 launched three occupational cohorts in coordination with Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, and 28 industry partners in the fields of Mechatronics, Information Technology, and Technical Product Design. The State of Michigan will continue to support these occupational programs in the future, and will also explore other opportunities such as CNC, Tool and Die, and Welding, based on employer needs.

To register for the webinar, visit here: https://events-na10.adobeconnect.com/content/connect/c1/1051360766/en/events/catalog.html?folder-id=1141992221.

Additional webinars are scheduled for the following dates: 

• Jan. 7, 2015  
• Jan. 28, 2015
• Feb. 11, 2015
• Feb. 25, 2015
• March 11, 2015
• March 25, 2015

Employers looking to gain qualified, skilled technicians through participation in the MAT2 program can learn more by attending an MAT2 informational webinar or by contacting Andrew Belanger, Talent Enhancement Project Coordinator, at belangera2@michigan.org or (517) 335-2756. 

For more information on the MAT² program, 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.