A new State Technical College program to offer free job training to unemployed and underemployed workers will debut.
Callaway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tamara Tateosian announced the program during Thursday evening's Chamber Banquet. A formal event kickoff is planned at 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the chamber; Tateosian said she hopes many local businesspeople will attend.
"It's one of those things we've been working towards for workforce development," Tateosian said Friday. "In Central Missouri, there's a collaborative effort to make workforce development a priority."
Missouri Apprenticeships in Maufacturing Program, or MoAMP, is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor grant aimed at developing "high-quality, industry-recognized apprenticeship programs." It will center around State Tech's "mobile training center" - essentially a giant trailer.
"They'll park it right here out front at the chamber," Tateosian said.
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.
"The program's developed, the curriculum is ready - we're just waiting for the green light," Tateosian said.
Goals
Tateosian thinks the program will benefit employers and employees alike.
"Unemployment in the county is low - about 2.1 percent," she said. "That means that just about anyone who wants a job has one. But we do have people who are unemployed or underemployed. These classes will help those people take that next step."
By learning new skills, these individuals can increase their employability and income potential, Tateosian said. They also become a valuable asset to the county's many manufacturers.
"What it does for local businesses is provide the skilled workers they need to fill their open positions," Tateosian said. "We'll get the information to employers first (during the launch event) and we'll ask them, 'What do you need from employees? Where are there gaps you need filled?' We can (build) this to match their needs."
Program participants must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. They must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or passed a high school equivalency test. They must possess a valid photo identification.
Veterans are especially encouraged to apply, though, if discharged, they must have received an honorable discharge.
Tateosian said potential participants will take the National Career Readiness Certificate test before entering the program; if they score high enough, they may test out of the lowest-level class.
The five tiers break down like so:
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.
All tiers are free, thanks to the grant.
More information about class schedules and how to sign up is forthcoming.