As Kellogg Community College intensifies efforts to create a trained workforce for area employers, the college announces today that it will provide customized instruction to new employees at a pair of manufacturing companies in Battle Creek.
Beginning in the next few months, KCC will provide on-the-job training worth $250,000 to employees at Denso Manufacturing Michigan Inc. and another $250,000 to employees at TRMI Inc. Both companies, which make auto parts in the Fort Custer Industrial Park, are expanding their operations in Battle Creek and adding hundreds of jobs.
The Denso and TRMI initiatives follow two other large-scale training projects – serving BleiStahl North America and Janesville Acoustics – which KCC launched earlier this year in an effort to prepare local workers for new jobs being created in the community. KCC’s Workforce Solutions Department, headquartered at the college’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center, is providing the training, which is funded through the Michigan New Jobs Training Program.
“This is a win-win-win no matter how you look at it,” said Dr. Dennis Bona, president of KCC. “Local workers obtain the training they need, companies get the quality workforce they desire and KCC helps employees and employers bridge the skills gap and continue strengthening our economy.”
The MNJTP, created by the State of Michigan in 2008, authorizes community colleges to issue debt on behalf of employers which are creating new jobs and expanding operations in Michigan. Colleges provide customized training to the workers and the debt is repaid by diverting the new employees’ state income taxes. No additional money is involved, making it possible for KCC to provide training at no cost to the employers.
“When it comes to preparing the workforce for employment, KCC is always ready to help businesses with their organizational development needs,” said Sara Hubbard, director of Workforce Solutions. “As a partner to local businesses, we are committed to delivering the tailored, competency-based training they need to stay competitive.”
Companies who want to pursue an MNJTP agreement should contact Workforce Solutions at KCC to begin exploring available options. Workforce Solutions will work with employers to identify training needs and calculate the amount of funding available.
For more information, contact Workforce Solutions at 269-565-2828 or hubbards@kellogg.edu.
For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at daily.kellogg.edu/category/press-releases.