One of the top priorities for the EDC is partnering with various organizations in Kansas City on workforce development to connect businesses with educated and motivated employees today and build the workforce pipeline into the future. Studies indicate that 60 percent of the 3.4 million U.S. manufacturing jobs will go unfilled by 2025. To help narrow that gap, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) has recently launched a new registered apprenticeship program aimed at enhancing the skill set of the existing labor force and training new employees.
The program offered through MCC-Business & Technology, includes customized on-the-job training and accredited coursework; in essence “upskilling” a company’s employees and preparing them for advancement.
Program participants receive specialized training by a skilled instructor in a state-of-the-art facility or lab. Upon completion, they receive a certificate for a federally approved apprenticeship, industry-related certifications and testing, debt-free college credits that are transferable to four-year institutions and the possibility of an Associate of Applied Science degree. In addition, apprenticeships pay minimum wage or more with wage increases as skills increase.
The apprenticeship program currently includes courses on:
- Building and Facilities Maintenance
- Engineering Technology
- Industrial Electrician Automation and Repair
- Industrial Maintenance and Repair
- Precision Machining and Tool and Die
- Welding
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Automobile Repair Technician
What is even more advantageous about this program is that it allows businesses to design a customized employee training program while the college manages the program. A business win for all involved.
Businesses realize many benefits from the program including:
- Upskilled labor force
- Improved productivity and profits
- Reduced turnover costs and increased employee retention
- Customized on-the-job training
- Defined employee success
If you are interested in learning more about how your business can design an apprentice program or to find a complete list of programs offered visit the MCC website: http://www.mcckc.edu/programs/apprenticeships.