Manufacturers in the Great Lakes Bay Region are actively looking for workers. Fast Start is an accelerated training program designed to meet the needs of employers by preparing individuals to work productively in advanced manufacturing. We are actively recruiting for 2013 programs. Jobs are not guaranteed, but placement rates for those who have completed other Fast Start training programs is 70-90 percent, depending on the program.

Advanced manufacturing technicians work at companies like Nexteer and other regional manufacturers. They may perform:

• assembly operations including parts selection, alignment and assembly according to specifications
• packaging operations set-up including manual break-down of pallets of material; arranging, stacking/repackaging materials; placing materials into containers and then into shipping cartons
• warehouse logistics including operating a fork lift truck; moving materials within/to and from warehouse; manually stacking, repackaging, stretch wrapping and moving boxes and pallets

During training, students will study safety, math, blueprint reading, industrial gauge reading, basic statistical process control, lean manufacturing, industrial hydraulics/pneumatics, machining, programmable logic control, basic computer operations, and teamwork.

Individuals successfully completing the Fast Start program will have the qualifications to interview for jobs upon program completion.

Minimum starting pay rates are $12 per hour, depending on the employer. Individuals who exceed the criteria and skill level required may earn considerably more.

Business process services employees work at companies like The Dow Chemical Company and TAIC doing a variety of jobs, including supply chain, customer service, purchasing, finance and administrative support.

Using excellent computers skills, time management, and organization, they work in teams to solve problems – often on a global scale – in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Battery manufacturing plant operating technicians work at companies like Dow Kokam in Midland. They operate, monitor, and maintain manufacturing, fabrication and assembly equipment and processes for the production of advanced lithium ion batteries. Included in the responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of a variety of manufacturing, fabrication and assembly equipment are:

• operating and controlling chemical distribution and mixing systems
• interfacing with and controlling mechanical/electrical fabrication and assembly machinery
• safely performing operational adjustments
• transfer of materials
• process troubleshooting and equipment maintenance
• responding to process control information and adjusting/correcting process variables
• working in a clean room and low humidity environment

Starting pay rates are 14.90 per hour and fringe benefits are competitive with the region’s high tech industry sector and will be commensurate with education and experience. Individuals successfully completing the Fast Start program will have the qualifications to interview for jobs upon program completion.

Solar manufacturing/assemblers work at companies like Dow Solar Solutions in Midland. They perform assembly operations including:

• parts selection, alignment and assembly according to specifications
• packaging operations set-up including manual breakdown of pallets of material, arranging/stacking/repackaging materials, manually putting labels, stickers or booklets on packaged materials, and cleaning recycled packaging components before re-use
• packaging operations including manually handling water-soluble products, placing them into containers and then into shipping cartons
• warehouse logistics including operating a fork life truck, moving materials within/to and from warehouses

Starting pay rates (depending on employer) are $12-$14.35 per hour plus benefits. Individuals successfully completing the Fast Start program will have the qualifications to interview for jobs with employers.

Chemical process operators work at companies like Dow Chemical, Dow Corning, Hemlock Semiconductor, and others with the handling, transporting, transferring, storage and disposal of chemicals and other materials in compliance with all state and federal regulations; they operate, troubleshoot, monitor, and control both continuous and batch processes; assemble, disassemble and stage reactor systems; line up and management of valving stations and headers; understand and use pneumatic tools and equipment; connect, disconnect, load, unload and manage tanker transfer stations; are knowledgeable and uphold the standards regarding health, safety, and the environment; interface with chemical engineers and tradesmen, technicians, and co-workers involved with these processes; hands on and management of normal equipment maintenance; calibrate instrumentation; and handling of medium to heavy tools, products and equipment.

Starting salaries are $13-20/per hour. Delta College operates the program as needed, based on employer demand. Successful completers (based on instructional assessment standards and attendance) can earn up to 25 academic credits (CPI 110-260) toward the Chemical Process Technology Associate degree and be qualified to apply for employment as a Chemical Process Operator.

Fast Start is a partnership between Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!, Delta College, and area employers. Fast Start supplies employers who are creating or expanding product lines with employees who have industry-specific technical, critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills. The training happens at Delta College and is fast and focused.

The program is one of the best examples of a community-based business and education partnership. As such, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and partner Delta College were recognized by the National Association of Workforce Boards with the Theodore E. Small Award – a prestigious award given annually to only one of 600 workforce development agencies nationwide.

Jobs are not guaranteed, but placement rates for those who have completed previous Fast Start training programs thus far are as high as 90 percent.

To qualify for Fast Start, individuals must meet minimum WorkKeys scores and have manufacturing/technical experience, and previous college or training.

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! recruits people for Fast Start training, career managers review applications, and we provide funding to those who qualify.

Applicants must submit an application and required documentation to Delta College. Delta College selects applicants for the program and conducts the training.

• 4-week, 160-hour training program at Delta College
• Must take the following WorkKeys assessments (click here for testing locations and hours) and score at least 4s:
  • Locating Information (4 required)
  • Reading for Information (4 required, 5 preferred)
  • Applied Math (4 required, 5 preferred)
  • Teamwork (4 required)

For information about academic programs to increase WorkKeys scores that are below requirements, click here

• Minimum of one year of work experience in mechanical parts assembly and troubleshooting is preferred. A strong track record of safety is required
• High school/GED required
  
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. consistently

The cost of Advanced Manufacturing Fast Start training is $2,200 and is not covered by Federal Pell or Financial Aid. You may be eligible for funding from Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! (even if you are not a resident of Midland, Saginaw or Bay counties). To find out, complete the application process: Advanced Manufacturing #3 (starting March 11th)

• 6-week, 240-hour accelerated program at Delta College
• Must take the following WorkKeys assessments (click here for testing locations and hours) and achieve the following scores:
  • Applied Math – minimum score of 4 required, a score of 5 is preferred
  • Reading for Information – minimum score of 4 required, a score of 5 is preferred
  • Locating Information –  level 4 score required
  • Teamwork – level 4 score required
    
• Associates Degree required plus a minimum of 1-3 years’ work experience
• Demonstrated strong teamwork skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic math and reading skills
• Demonstrated computer skills proficiency in the following:
  • Word, PowerPoint, internet
  • Excel (must take required assessment http://www.surveymk.com/s/microexcel)
  • Outlook (must take required assessment http://www.surveymk.com/s/microoutlook)
• Effectively communicate with co-workers and supervisors
• Customer focused; striving to understand and meet customer needs
• Work overtime as needed (to meet project deadlines)

The cost of Business Process Services Fast Start is $2700.00, and is not covered by Federal Pell Grant or Financial Aid. You may be eligible for funding through Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! (even if you are not a resident of Midland, Saginaw or Bay counties). To find out, complete the application (click here) process.

• 6-week, 240-hour training program at Delta College
• Must take the following WorkKeys tests (click here for testing locations and hours) and score at least 4s
  • Locating Information (4 required)
  • Reading for Information (4 required, 5 preferred)
  • Applied Math (4 required, 5 preferred)
  • Teamwork (4 required)
    
• Minimum 1 year experience in logistics, manufacturing, technical, military, farming and/or skilled trades
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. consistently
• Must have basic computer skills
• High school/GED required, associate’s degree preferred
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends

The cost of Solar Manufacturing Fast Start training is $3,450 and is not covered by Federal Pell or Financial Aid. You may be eligible for funding from Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! (even if you are not a resident of Midland, Saginaw or Bay counties). To find out, complete the application (click here) process.

• 10-week, 400-hour training program at Delta College
• Must take the following WorkKeys tests (click here for testing locations and hours) and score at least 4s
  • Locating Information (4 required)
  • Reading for Information (4 required, 5 preferred)
  • Applied Math (4 required, 5 preferred)
  • Teamwork (4 required)
    
• Demonstrated computer skills proficiency in the following:
  • Word, Power Point, internet
  • Excel (click here to take required assessment)
  • Outlook (click here to take required assessment)
  • 1-5 years in logistics, manufacturing, technical, military, farming and/or skilled trades
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. consistently
  
• Must have basic computer skills
• High school/GED required, associate’s degree preferred
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends

The cost of Advanced Battery Manufacturing Fast Start training is $5,100 and is not covered by Federal Pell or Financial Aid. You may be eligible for funding from Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! (even if you are not a resident of Midland, Saginaw or Bay counties). To find out, complete the application process (click here).

• 12-week, 480 hour accelerated program at Delta College
  
• Must take the following WorkKeys tests (click here for testing locations and hours) and score at least 4s
  • Applied Mathematics - Level 5 required; 5 required for employment
  • Reading for Information - Level 5 required; 5 required for employment
  • Locating Information - Level 5 required; 5 required for employment
  • Applied Technology - Level 4 required for employment
  • Observation - Level 5 required for employment
  • Teamwork - Level 4 required for employment
    
• 1-2 years of work or military experience in a manufacturing, technical, or chemical occupation/field
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. consistently
  
• Must have basic computer skills
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field from an accredited college or military training in a technical area is preferred, but not required.
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends

The cost of Chemical Process Fast Start training is $5,400 and is not covered by Federal Pell or Financial Aid. You may be eligible for funding from Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! (even if you are not a resident of Midland, Saginaw or Bay counties). To find out, complete the application process (current application - coming soon).

Up to 24 seats per class are available. Program slots will be offered to the applicants who best meet the preferred candidate qualifications, which include minimum WorkKeys scores, work experience, and previous education/training. Class schedules and times will vary.

To learn more about Advanced Manufacturing Fast Start training, visit:
http://www.delta.edu/lifelonglearningcontent/industry/advanced-manufacturing.aspx

To learn more about Business Process Services Fast Start training, visit:
http://www.delta.edu/lifelonglearningcontent/industry/business-process-services-fast-start.aspx

To learn more about Solar Manufacturing Fast Start training, visit:
http://www.delta.edu/lifelonglearningcontent/industry/solar-manufacturing-fast-start.aspx

To learn more about Advanced Battery Manufacturing Fast Start training, visit:
http://www.delta.edu/lifelonglearningcontent/industry/advanced-battery-manufacturing-fast-start.aspx

To learn more about Chemical Process Technology Fast Start training, visit:
www.delta.edu/lifelonglearningcontent/industry/chemicalprocessoperatorfaststart.aspx

Getting yourself into the Fast Start “pipeline” for consideration into the program requires a commitment to visiting a Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Service Center for orientation and/or a one-on-one appointment with a staff member. To begin this process:

• For more information and to schedule an orientation call:
  
  • (989) 393-2260 Saginaw County
  • (989) 631-3073 Midland County
  • (989) 667-0500 Bay County
• Download an application for Advanced Manufacturing #3 (starting March 11th), Business Process Services Fast Start, Solar Manufacturing Fast Start, Advanced Battery Fast Start or Chemical Process Technology Fast Start (current application - coming soon)
• Visit any Michigan Works! service center in Saginaw, Midland, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella or Arenac County.
• Start collecting eligibility documents, including driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, education credentials/transcripts, resume, unemployment information (if applicable)
• Click here for an important checklist to help you.

Download an application for Advanced Manufacturing #3 (starting March 11th), Business Process Services Fast Start, Solar Manufacturing Fast Start, Advanced Battery Fast Start or Chemical Process Technology Fast Start (current application - coming soon).

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! recruits people for Fast Start training, offers career managers to review applications, and provides funding to those who qualify.

Applicants must submit application and required documentation to Delta College.

Delta College selects applicants for the program and conducts the training.

A resume must accompany each application, documenting all required skills, experience and WorkKeys scores. Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! can help applicants with resume preparation.

Talk to a Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Career Manager at any service center to learn how you can improve your qualifications for Fast Start training.
For example, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! offers individuals the opportunity to improve their WorkKeys scores and upgrade computer and basic skills by attending classes at one of our Academic Centers

You will need to attend a Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Career Success Seminar (CSS), meet with a career manager and be referred to a Michigan Works Academic Center.

Coming soon!