By DON NORFLEET
News Tribune
Thousands of dollars in free training for manufacturing owners and managers in Central Missouri is attracting more participants than anticipated.
The unexpectedly strong response to the Advanced Manufacturing Specialist Training Program from throughout the state of Missouri has prompted officials to accelerate class schedules.
The initial plan called for two waves of 150 participants each, one starting this September and the second about one year later. Each wave of 150 participants is divided into classes of about 30 people.
Under the new plan, there will not be a specific deadline for submitting applications. The first group of 30 participants will begin classes on Sept. 13 and additional classes of 30 will follow immediately.
It is anticipated that this new format will enable the second wave of 150 participants to complete the program much earlier.
Training program officials expect to hold classes in St. Louis, Kansas City and Rolla and at sites to be determined later in Southeast Missouri or Southwest Missouri.
Jefferson City area manufacturing owners or managers have an opportunity to participate in a cutting-edge, free year-long training program in Rolla.
The free training for about 300 manufacturing specialists is made possible by a $2.1 million H1-B grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The grant to Missouri is managed by the Missouri Enterprise Business Assistance Center in cooperation with the Missouri Association For Advancing Manufacturing, the University of Missouri-Rolla, the University of Missouri system, local Workforce Investment Boards, Missouri Department of Workforce Development Career Centers and the Missouri Training and Employment Council.
The training program will upgrade the skills of about 300 employed and unemployed professionals through completion of an Advanced Manufacturing Specialist Curriculum.
Those who complete the program will be certified as Advanced Manufacturing Specialists (AMA).
Dale Gabel of Jefferson City, president of the Missouri Association For Advancing Manufacturing, said "people who complete the program will gain important advanced manufacturing skills, and increase their value in the marketplace as lean manufacturing/enterprise specialists and business savvy engineers. They must be willing to undertake six sigma improvement projects and be prepared to help their companies compete in today's global economy."
"This advanced manufacturing specialist training program is the only one of its kind," said Harold Zinn, senior vice president of corporate communications at the center.
"Participants will literally receive thousands of dollars in high quality impact training free. We hope to have a large contingent from Central Missouri in the training program," Zinn said.
The program includes both classroom and on-the-job training. It will equip workers with practical, well-rounded knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques.
The curriculum includes both classroom and on-the-job training and will equip workers with a practical, well-rounded knowledge of advanced manufacturing.
The program also includes three modules: Six Sigma, Business Skills and Lean Enterprise. t will require about 30 classroom days and 40 on-the-job in plant training days spread over a period of about 12 months. Appropriate CEUs will be awarded.
To be considered for participation, applicants must hold a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent training and experience in a relevant subject and at least two years of manufacturing experience. Graduating engineering students may apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but current employment is not a requirement for application.
Neither tuition nor fees will be charged, but companies must agree to allow participating employees adequate paid time away from the job to attend classroom training and to complete in-plant projects.
Those interested can apply online at www.missourienterprise.org/amstp or by contacting the Advanced Manufacturing Specialist Training Program at 800-956-2682.
Missouri Enterprise is a not-for-profit corporation that provides business and technical assistance to help Missouri companies succeed.
In addition to the Advanced Manufacturing Specialist Training Program, the organization manages the Manufacturing Extension Partnership in Missouri, a value-added agriculture program and one of the state's Innovation Centers.
Zinn said for firms to stay in business in today's highly competitive world economy, both small and large manufacturing firms must use the most cost effective and efficient methods, techniques and equipment.
Zinn said one of the best ways to stay ahead of the competition is to take advantage of proven techniques and methods -- especially when the state-of-the-art training is offered free.
