Posts Tagged: Training

What is a Consortium Training Grant?

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post Posted 08/14/2018

Does your company have a technical skills gap?

Would you like to improve your productivity and quality?

Have you been considering ways to get training for your workforce and have thought that your company was too small?

Have you looked for ways to fund training, discovered the Workforce Training Fund and then decided you didn’t have the resources to write the grant and do all the grant administration work?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, consortium training could be the answer. Workforce Training Consortium is an opportunity for your employees to attend our training workshops AND it does not require you to write the grant application or perform grant administration work.

How does it work?

For starters, MassMEP seeks companies that are looking for solutions to the opening questions that are within the same region. Once the companies are identified, minor up front planning takes place. Participating companies meet to select the training and workshops of greatest interest in advance. The courses are separated into three different categories: Operational Excellence, Workforce Strategies and Innovative Growth Solutions. Since MassMEP provides the shared training, we develop a consolidated grant and submit it to the Workforce Training Fund on the behalf of the participating companies.

Upon grant approval, course scheduling commences. Training is held at a location within your region making it easy for participants to get to. Depending on the number of consortia members and the grant specifications, training may be held at participating companies. Training will be conducted over a one to two year timeframe, again depending on what was laid out in the grant. MassMEP handles the ongoing grant administration responsibilities.

How much does it cost to join the consortium?

This training is paid for by the Workforce Training Fund, so organizations that contribute to the Workforce Training Fund are eligible to take part in WTFP grant programs. All for-profit companies in Massachusetts contribute as do some non-profits. The company’s investment is that grant funds must be matched dollar for dollar. The match is usually achieved by utilizing training-related costs such as wages and fringe of employees during training hours.

Successful results

MassMEP and the participating companies have been very successful with this convenient and effective model. Consortia companies have reported the following results: improved lead time, reduced cycle time, improvement in on-time delivery, improved productivity, reduced inventory, increased first-pass yield, increased sales, labor cost savings and more.

How do I get started?

Contact Lisa Derby Oden today at lisao@massmep.org

TribalVision and MassMEP Join Forces in Supporting Massachusetts Manufacturers

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 08/07/2018

TribalVision and Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (“MassMEP”) have announced a collaboration that will offer both express and general grants to manufacturers through the commonwealth of Massachusetts. This partnership will enable MassMEP to now be able to support Massachusetts manufacturers with the marketing tools and training needed to compete and grow in today’s competitive global business arena.

The General Program Training grant will allow manufacturing Companies to apply for a grant up to $250,000. The Express Grant Funds are limited to $30,000 per company per calendar year. Businesses can apply for grants to train current and newly hired workers.

“We’re excited to be partnering with TribalVision to now offer growth services to our Massachusetts manufacturers,” Tom Andrellos Director of Growth Services of MassMEP. “Through the approval of these express and general grants, manufacturers in Massachusetts will now be able to access a level of marketing training and resources that until now were unavailable through MassMEP. We are opening up our offering to extend beyond traditional lean and operational excellence support and are excited to be partnering with TribalVision on this initiative.”

Chris Ciunci, Founder and Managing Partner of TribalVision said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Mass MEP to offer the depth of marketing training needed for Massachusetts manufacturers to be equipped to compete and win in today’s ever-changing global marketplace. The days of solely relying on trade shows and print publications for growth are ending, so it’s important for manufacturers to be equipped with the digital and social media expertise necessary to survive and thrive.”

For more information about the grants offered through MassMEP and TribalVision, visit: https://massmep.org/training-grants/

For Upcoming Marketing Workshops https://massmep.org/events-workshops/2018-10/
About MassMEP

MassMEP is a collaboration between academic, business and government partners dedicated to helping Massachusetts manufacturers meet the challenges of competing in an ever-changing economy. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through providing operational excellence, workforce development strategies and innovative growth initiatives, enhanced through leveraging strategic public/private relationships.

To learn more, visit https://www.massmep.org/

About TribalVision

As an outsourced marketing department for hire, TribalVision’s mission is to help organizations grow. This is achieved by combining intelligent strategy with tactical execution in a hands-on, results-driven manner. TribalVision utilizes its clients’ marketing budgets as efficiently and intelligently as possible – ensuring that each dollar spent maximizes awareness and generates new business. TribalVision’s unique marketing model is designed to fully align interests with client outcomes – guaranteeing an objective, client-first partnership. This is demonstrated in the firm’s fee-based compensation structure, “roll up your sleeves” mindset, metrics-driven approach, and role as a trusted marketing resource tasked to help navigate organizations to higher grounds. To learn more, visit www.TribalVision.com.

MassMEP Diversifies Accelerated CNC Training Program, Partners with Seven Hills Foundation

By Kristy Grignon In Blog Post, News Releases Posted 02/20/2018

For more information please contact:

Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org

Worcester, MA – This February, nine participants in the MassMEP Accelerated CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Skills Training Program completed their training and received advanced MACWIC certification. The graduates spent seven weeks participating in an intensive experience that incorporates both classroom and hands-on curriculum to prepare them for jobs as CNC machine operators. This class was the first in which MassMEP partnered with Seven Hills Foundation in Worcester to train one of their supported individuals.

MassMEP’s training model combines classroom instruction, virtual simulation, and hands-on training to build job-ready skills. Additionally, students are provided work readiness skills that are critical in order to secure employment in today’s manufacturing industry. The training program was funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and Hollings Manufacturing Extension Program.

Congratulations to MassMEP’s Accelerated CNC Skills Training Program

graduation class, February 2018.

What began as an idea to train people with autism for careers in manufacturing morphed into a pilot project broadened to include people with various disabilities. One highly motivated individual, who happened to be in a wheelchair, was selected for this initial pilot. With support services from Seven Hills and a willingness from all training partners to see what was possible, Kelly O’Brien graduated as a certified CNC machine operator with the rest of her class.

Kelly O’Brien is the first Seven Hills Foundation client to graduate from

MassMEP’s Accelerated CNC Skills Training Program, February 2018.

“Kelly has worked hard and shown the drive and determination to take advantage of this opportunity and build a career path in a sector that is highly sought and needed here in Massachusetts,” said Trudy Dould, Clinician at Seven Hills Foundation. “Throughout this training, she showcased her abilities and did not let her disability present an obstacle in her goal of obtaining this certificate.” Seven Hills, along with other partners, is in the process of obtaining a special, motorized wheelchair that will allow Kelly to achieve a vertical, standing position to assist her at work.

“Seven Hills is committed to partner with MassMEP to provide manufacturing training to some of our supported individuals,” said Dr. David Jordan, President of Seven Hills Foundation. “This is a wonderful opportunity to educate and empower people to live the valued and meaningful life they choose…and provide Massachusetts manufacturers with great employees.”

Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, and achievement.

About MACWIC

The purpose of the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovative Collaborative is to preserve manufacturing tribal knowledge and to execute the transfer of knowledge and critical skills to the current and future workforce. For more information, visit http://www.macwic.org

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

By Kristy Grignon In News Releases Posted 02/12/2018

For More Information Contact:

– Kathie Mahoney, kathiem@massmep.org

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

Worcester, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, recently celebrated the graduation of the first class of students to complete Mechanical Systems Skills Training, a comprehensive new training program in mechanical power transmission for the shop floor. Participants learn skills in machine shafts & keys, bearings, belt drives, chain drives, machine shaft couplings, gear drives, machine speed reduces, electric brakes, and mechanical components. The next class starts March 5, 2018.

“The new training is designed to address the lack of mechanical skills in manufacturing,” stated John Killam, President MassMEP. “This type of introduction to the operating principles of power transmission in the most effective way, with skills-based training using the same industrial-strength components used in factory environments. We are thankful to the funding from the Baker-Polito Administration, through a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant, to purchase the equipment.”

Mechanical Systems Skills Training features hands-on work with robust, stand-alone, mobile training stations. Rugged components are housed in a heavy-duty mobile framework with a customized modular drawer storage system. Classroom learning and the bench work hand-in-hand.

Eight people participated in the first class. Will Lyon from Epic Polymer Solutions (Northborough, MA) has a background as a motorcycle mechanic. He enjoyed being able to use brand new tools and parts. His co-worker, Michael Ducasse, shared, “Even though this course was pretty easy for us, we did find that some of the components on the work bench were not aligned properly. The fact that things were not perfect and we had to trouble shoot made it more like what you come up against on the job so we got a lot out of it!”

Rick Gemme, Manufacturing Operations Supervisor from Bose Corporation (Framingham, MA), stated that in the past they would send one person to a class like this and then that person would come back and share knowledge with the group. His company runs three shifts. Sending each person to the class helps them standardize procedures and ensure the same focus.

For more details, see the Mechanical System Skills Training brochure: http://massmac.org/newsline/1801/MSST_brochure.pdf

The next class starts March 5, 2018 and will be offered two days a week, three hours per day for four weeks. For more information, please contact Leslie Parady at lesliep@massmep.org or 508-831-7020 ext. 21.

About MassMEP

MassMEP Graduates Manufacturing-Trained Workers in the More Skilled Workers Program

By Sean Healy In News Releases Posted 03/21/2017

Worcester, MA – MassMEP recently celebrated the graduation of students who participated in the Advanced CNC Program funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The graduation was attended by Representatives Jeffrey Roy and Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore, and the graduates’ family members.

Presenting citations to manufacturing graduates of the More Skilled Workers program. Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Rep. Daniel Donahue, Senator Michael Moore.

At the ceremony, Rep. Roy, House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus Committee, recognized the hard work of the graduates and their dedication to building on their skill base in order to enter into a manufacturing career. Rep. Roy stated, “Congratulations for taking the step to be a part of the manufacturing renaissance that is going on in Massachusetts. Manufacturing is flourishing in Massachusetts.”

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification training program was developed by the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) to meet the demands of Massachusetts manufacturers. Since it’s launch, MassMEP has graduated 326 students. The placement rate upon graduation is 93%, with an average starting wage of $18.00.

The MassMEP Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification program has worked with about 175 Massachusetts companies to provide assistance in filling their skills gaps. The benefit of the program is the cost savings to employers. By virtue of the candidates receiving the MACWIC credential upon graduation, an employer knows the competencies of the candidate prior to hiring them. This can save the employer significant time and cost when on-boarding a new employee.

The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification pyramid.

“This 7-week training program is life-changing for the participants,” stated John Killam, MassMEP President. “The training they receive provides them with the skills to earn a living wage and support their family. These are not skills they had prior to this training course, but now they will have them for the rest of their lives.”

The graduates spent seven (7) weeks participating in an intensive classroom and hands-on curriculum to prepare for jobs as CNC operators. MassMEP’s training model combines classroom, simulation, and hands-on training to build job ready skills. Additionally, students are prepared with work readiness skills that are critical in order to secure employment in today’s manufacturing. Their hard work was rewarded at graduation with the receipt of certificates in OSHA training and Principles of Lean manufacturing, as well as a certificate of completion for their full course work. Representatives Roy and Donahue and Senator Moore also presented the graduates with citations from the State House.

The advanced CNC training program covers 260 hours overall and includes 80 hours of foundational manufacturing skills, 100 hours of advanced CNC skills training at WPI, 40 hours of MasterCAM, 10 hours of OSHA training, and 30 hours of career readiness. Upon graduation, the students receive a 10-hour OSHA general industry card, Massachusetts Pre-Apprentice certificate, and MACWIC certification.

The program is a three-phase training strategy to prepare and place individuals in a paid job and position them along a career pathway that would culminate in certificate/degrees as CNC machine operators. The Applied Manufacturing Technology Pathway Certification was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and leveraged funding from MassDevelopment and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

More than 750 educated through training programs

By Kathie Mahoney In News Releases Posted 12/12/2016

Two Central Massachusetts training programs have completed educating employees at 17 different manufacturing companies, creating 40 new jobs and retaining 32 employees as a result.

The programs funded by the Workforce Training Fund Program managed by the Commonwealth Corp. offered education with the goal of updating the skills of the companies’ workforces. The trainings were coordinated by the Central MA Workforce Investment Board in partnership with the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provided instruction. Topics ranged from basic manufacturing skills to leadership training, job safety and included more specific programs such as geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

The participating manufacturers completed a total of 96 trainings and trained 779 employees over the course of the project. According to data collected by MassMEP, there were positive results for the manufacturers.

Increased sales: $4,574,000
Jobs created: 403
Jobs retained: 32
Cost savings: $1,384,075

The companies that participated were:

Southbridge Sheet Metal
INCOM
David Packard Co.
Dexter-Russell
G&F Industries
United Lens
H.T. Machine
Magnetic Technologies
Schott North America
Swissturn
T & D Specialties
Eaton-Wrightline
ECM Plastics/A. Schulman
Prematech
Kinefac
Stellar Industries
Primetals Technologies

Jim Laliberte from Primetals Technologies said in a statement that these trainings are important, especially as companies face replacing significant portions of their workforce in the coming years.

“A shortage of adequately skilled workers in the U.S. is a problem faced by most companies and could compromise the country’s economic competitiveness if left unaddressed,” Laliberte said in a statement.

You can read the original article on WBJournal.com.

Lean in the Fast Lane

By Kathie Mahoney In Videos Posted 12/07/2016

Join a Race Car “Pit Crew”

Learn the Three Keys to Sustaining Your Continuous Improvement Gains

New MassMEP Project Manager Broadens Manufacturing Expertise in Western MA

By mep_admin In News Releases Posted 07/23/2014

MassMEP, a leading resource for manufacturing companies in Massachusetts, today announced that Mark Weber has joined the organization as a Project Manager for the Western MA region. Mr. Weber joins MassMEP from Avery Products Corporation where he served as a Senior Technical Engineer. Mr. Weber has extensive experience in manufacturing and process improvement initiatives. For MassMEP clients, he brings together a broad range of knowledge in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, product development, automation, and business growth strategies. “Manufacturing is very much a part of the Western MA community and is continually growing,” said Jack Healy, Director of Operations, MassMEP. “Expanding our team in Western MA increases our capacity to provide services in operational excellence to advance performance, in workforce strategies to develop the next generation workforce, and in technical expertise for innovative growth solutions.” Mr. Weber stated, “I am very pleased to be a part of MassMEP. I now have the opportunity to combine my broad manufacturing consulting experience with my deep Lean and continuous improvement skills. MassMEP’s mission is a worthy one and I hope to be a significant factor in growing manufacturing in Western Massachusetts.” Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the national NIST MEP system, is a leading resource for manufacturers. Committed to success in manufacturing, MassMEP transforms companies through solutions focused on innovative growth, operational excellence, and workforce development. The organization cultivates a sustainable community built on supportive relationships, idea sharing, achievement, and next generation manufacturing. For more information, visit https://www.massmep.org.

For more information, contact:

Kathie Mahoney
MassMEP
100 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Tel: 508-831-7020
E-mail: kathiem@massmep.org
Web: www.massmep.org

PR Office

Shari Worthington
Telesian Technology, Inc.
49 Midgley Lane
Worcester, MA 01604
Tel: 508-755-5242
E-mail: mailto:sharilee@telesian.com

MassMEP Releases Collaborative Communities Manufacturing Growth Initiative (CCMGI) for the North Central Massachusetts

By mep_admin In News Releases Posted 06/16/2014

COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITIES MANUFACTURING GROWTH INITIATIVE (CCMGI) FOR THE NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS REGION

Click here to view the press release as a PDF.

MassMEP Launches New Bilingual Training Program for Manufacturing Companies

By mep_admin In News Releases Posted 05/22/2014

MassMEP, a leading resource for manufacturing companies in Massachusetts, today announced that Miguel Cuenca has joined the organization as a Bilingual LEAN Training Specialist. Mr. Cuenca comes to MassMEP from Cambridge Endoscopic Devices and Snap-on Tools, where he served as a Mechanical Designer. MassMEP is launching a new bilingual training program to communicate essential information in the native language of many employees in manufacturing and other industries.

“MassMEP addresses the unique competitive challenges for manufacturers as well as the nature of its workforce,” said Jack Healy, Director of Operations, MassMEP. “Because a large proportion of workers in the manufacturing industry have limited English proficiency, offering manufacturing companies bilingual LEAN training will enable those employees to experience increased productivity and collaboration in the workplace and will ultimately increase customer satisfaction and retention.”

Mr. Cuenca stated, “Bilingual training is imperative in today’s society. I am excited to be given the opportunity to be a part of MassMEP’s commitment to manufacturing in Massachusetts. As a Bilingual LEAN Trainer, I will focus on providing LEAN instruction to both English and non-English speaking employees to help them to achieve their objectives and to be adequately trained.”

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

For more information please contact: Kathie Mahoney kathiem@massmep.org.

Posts Tagged: Training

What is a Consortium Training Grant?

TribalVision and MassMEP Join Forces in Supporting Massachusetts Manufacturers

MassMEP Diversifies Accelerated CNC Training Program, Partners with Seven Hills Foundation

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

MassMEP Launches New Mechanical Skill Training Program

About MassMEP

MassMEP Graduates Manufacturing-Trained Workers in the More Skilled Workers Program

About Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

About MACWIC

More than 750 educated through training programs

Lean in the Fast Lane

Join a Race Car “Pit Crew”

New MassMEP Project Manager Broadens Manufacturing Expertise in Western MA

For more information, contact:

PR Office

MassMEP Releases Collaborative Communities Manufacturing Growth Initiative (CCMGI) for the North Central Massachusetts

Click here to view the press release as a PDF.

MassMEP Launches New Bilingual Training Program for Manufacturing Companies

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