Local business people witnessed the launch of a new State Technical College of Missouri program to offer free job training to unemployed, low-skill and underemployed workers on Wednesday.
"That's what this grant's mission is, and that's what my mission is - to help people who need a second chance," said Nancy Wiley, federal grant manager at State Tech.
Wednesday's event at the Callaway Chamber of Commerce marked the arrival of Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Program, or MoAMP, in Callaway County. MoAMP is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor grant aimed at developing "high-quality, industry-recognized apprenticeship programs." It centers around State Tech's "mobile training center" - essentially a giant trailer - which carries training equipment wherever it's needed.
"It has heat, air conditioning and internet," Wiley said. "It's a wonderful tool for us to overcome the transportation barrier a lot of our students have."
Much of the equipment is repurposed from the MoSTART program, a previous grant-funded state tech program that focused on bringing training to factories and prisons.
The training
Inside the trailer, or in a building if the class grows too large, State Tech will offer five tiers of training. Upon the completion of each, the participants will earn certifications. Participants should be 18-49 years old and possess a high school diploma or have passed a high school equivalency exam.
The five tiers break down like so, though tweaks are possible:
Life skills: A 15-hour course on job and employability skills. Upon completion, participants should reach Level 4 in the NCRC math section and pass all other sections.
Basic maintenance technician: 15 hours on motor control basics, 15 hours on HVAC sytems and eight hours on basic maintenance principals. Completing this class earns EPA Section 608 certification and a Basic Maintenance Tech Certificate of Completion.
Intermediate maintenance technician: Three hours on blueprint reading, 15 hours on safety and accident prevention, eight hours on first aid and CPR, 15 hours on advanced motor controls and 16 hours on advanced maintenance principles. This tier earns an OSHA 10 card, a CPR/First Aid/AED card and a certificate of completion.
Advanced maintenance technician: 18 hours on robotics, nine hours on industrial wiring, 15 hours on rigging and five hours on the National Incident Management System. This tier earns NIMS certification and a certificate of completion.
"Though the focus is on training maintenance technicians, every skill they learn is transferable to any technical industry," instructor Alex Earls said.
Participants will spend plenty of time using real equipment and receiving hands-on instruction, not just reading manuals and taking quizzes.
All tiers are free, thanks to the grant.
"There are truly no strings attached," Wiley said.
Earls said he'll be talking to local business owners about what skills they need in potential employees, and may add or change classes based on responses. He's also hoping to partner with businesses to find apprenticeships for people completing classes.
"We're super excited to work with every employer in here," he said. "We do our best to give (employees) a chance to be successful on the job."
Employers, plus representatives from local school districts, crowded the chamber Wednesday and reacted with enthusiasm.
"I'm very excited," said Janea Danuser, vice president of Danuser Machine Company. "Callaway County and Danuser have a lot of need - we are hiring. Right now, we're desperate for welders, but we're busy; we don't have a lot of time to train them."
She said the certifications class participants will learn are vital to being hired in manufacturing or technical industries.
Getting involved
Earls said he hopes to launch the first MoAMP class this summer. In the meantime, he'll be spending time at the chamber talking to local business owners and recruiting students.
Any business interested in offering MoAMP training to employees, or taking on apprenticeships who've passed through the MoAMP project, should speak to Earls. He can be reached at 573-897-5189 or [email protected].
Underemployed, unemployed or low-skill individuals who want to take MoAMP classes should also contact Earls. They're also welcome to drop off their own information at the chamber so Earls can contact them when he's putting a class together, he said.
Up to 16 people can join each session, he added.
Class schedules will depend on the availability and preferences of those who sign up, Earls added.