Kalamazoo Valley Community College

The Jan. 17 quarterly meeting of the Advanced Manufacturing Career Consortium (AMCC) will include a presentation about the Michigan Advanced Technician Training Program (MAT2) based on the German apprenticeship model. The AMCC formed in 2011 and brings employers together to address shared concerns related to talent recruitment and development challenges. MAT2 is offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and participating employers currently being piloted in Michigan.

MAT2 is an innovative training program that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience in a three-year, no-cost program in the field of mechatronics, a combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer technology and information technology. The program is designed to meet industry needs for skilled technicians who understand a wide range of technologies and processes by giving high school seniors an attractive option that will provide training in a high-demand field and a paid-for education.

“The MAT² initiative is focused on meeting employer needs and will equip students with experience and skills they need to succeed in today’s high-tech world,” said Amy Cell, senior vice president of Talent Enhancement for MEDC. “It’s a great opportunity for students to earn an associate’s degree, a certificate, critical work experience and zero debt. Students and their parents are normally thrilled to learn that this program provides an opportunity for students to get an education at no cost, get paid, gain critical work skills, and end up with guaranteed employment in an in-demand field.”

Manufacturing employers are invited to attend the meeting to be held at The Groves campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Guest speakers will be Amy Cell, Senior Vice President, Talent Enhancement, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and Dr. Thomas Baumann, General Manager of Orbitak International LLC, and a member of the Board of Trustee of the GPM e.V., German Project Management Society.

Consortium members will hold a short business meeting from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Dr. Baumann and Cell will speak from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Their presentations will be followed by a question and answer session and the meeting concludes with lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Representatives from area businesses who are interested in learning more about the MAT2 apprenticeship model are welcome to attend. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to Katie Herweg at kherweg@kvcc.edu or 269-353-1290.