New Groves Website Launched

A new website was launched last month for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Groves Center, making its offerings easier to access.

“The Groves Center has continued to transform itself in response to the needs of area employers and the work force,” said Jim DeHaven, Vice President of Economic and Business Development for Kalamazoo Valley Community College. “The new and improved website is another example of the Center’s adaptability. We think users will agree it offers a wealth of information and that is well organized and easy to navigate. The design complements the college website, further supporting the affiliation between the two.”

The Center’s new website features a clean, uncluttered design. Content focuses on the Center’s mission to provide customers with the most accurate information and to share knowledge and expertise in corporate and individualized training programs.

The new site has six main areas: Facility Rental, Business, Training, Careers, Success Stories, and Current Offerings. It is useful for both employers and those seeking job opportunities through skill upgrades or re-training for a new career.

The Facility Rental section of the website includes the tools to rent a meeting room, choose catering options, get directions and provide valuable feedback after an event. From the Business section, website users can register for a training program, review the course catalog, explore training grant opportunities, and learn more about the Advanced Manufacturing Career Consortium, a group of more than 25 area employers who meet at the Groves Center each month to collaborate and discuss trends in their industry.

The Training section details personalized corporate training that is available based on employers’ specific needs and budgets. Competency-based programs that support the development of new skill sets in the workplace are also offered.

The Career section highlights the Center’s eight Career Academies. Supported by industry and focused on job availability, Career Academies are fast-track skill enhancement training programs preparing participants for future employment upon graduation. The Academies include the Wind Turbine Technician Academy, Hospitality Academy, Patient Care Academy, Corrections Academy, Police Academy, Production Technician Academy, Mechatronic Systems Technician Academy, and the Utility Line Worker Academy.

The Success Stories section highlights comments made by the Center’s customers, allowing website users to learn more about the issues and opportunities facing area companies, the solutions the Groves Center offers, and the outcomes of those solutions.

The Center was opened in 2001 and was originally an $11-million M-TEC that was financed by a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and matching funds provided by area companies and foundations.

The Current Offerings section provides a quick and easy registration and payment process for programs offered to the public. New programs are frequently added.

For more information, visit www.kvccgrovescenter.com.