Parents invited to learn about training program that teaches in-demand skills while providing a paycheck to students

Parents of high school seniors in Southeast Michigan are invited to attend an informational session to learn how students can gain advanced manufacturing work skills while earning a paycheck through the Michigan Advanced Technician Training program

LANSING, Mich. – Parents of high school seniors in Southeast Michigan are invited to attend an informational session to learn how students can gain advanced manufacturing work skills while earning a paycheck through the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT²) program offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and participating employers.

“The MAT² initiative is focused on meeting employer needs and will equip students with experience and skills they need to succeed in today’s high-tech world,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “These information sessions will give parents an opportunity to learn about this great way for students to earn an associate’s degree at no cost, get paid, gain critical work skills, and end up with guaranteed employment in an in-demand field.”

The MAT² Parent Information Night sessions, taking place Nov. 19 at Henry Ford Community College and Nov. 21 at Oakland Community College, will provide an overview on MAT², an innovative training program that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience in a three-year, no-cost program in the field of mechatronics, a combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, computer technology and information technology.

Program administrators will be on hand to give an overview of the program, answer parents’ questions and provide information on how students can enroll. Participating employers, community college representatives involved in MAT², current MAT² students, Orbitak representatives and MEDC representatives will be offering insight on student expectations, involvement and commitment.

Pre-registration is not required. The times and locations of the MAT² Parent Information Nights are:

Tuesday, Nov. 19
Henry Ford Community College
Berry Auditorium (Tech Building)
6.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 21
Oakland Community College
Building T–1, Auburn Hills Campus
6 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

Accepted MAT² students will earn an associate’s degree at Henry Ford Community College or Oakland Community College while they earn a paycheck and gain on the job experience with a participating company. Tuition is paid by the employer and in exchange, the student commits to remaining on the job for at least two years after successful completion of the program.

The MAT² participating employers include:

• Brose – Delivers mechatronic systems and electric drives to automotive manufacturers and suppliers
• Cadillac Products Automotive Company – Designs, develops and manufactures creative and cost effective products including a wide variety of protective plastic, exterior and interior acoustical and energy management parts for the automotive industry
• Detroit Diesel – Manufactures a complete line of heavy-duty diesel engines, axles and transmissions for the on-highway and vocational market
• EMAG - Umbrella of companies that manufacture transmission, engine and chassis components covering the entire spectrum of machining processes in the metal working industry
• FTE Automotive – Partner in the development and production of applications used in powertrain and braking systems for the automotive industry
• Heller – Manufactures 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers, multi-tasking machining centers, flexible manufacturing systems and crankshaft and camshaft milling and turning machines for; aerospace, automotive, agriculture, arms, construction, general machining, medical, power generation and trucking industries
• INERGY – Supplier of complete plastic fuel systems and emission reduction related fluids systems to car manufacturers
• KOSTAL – Develops and manufactures technologically advanced electronic, electro-mechanical and mechatronic products
• New Center Stamping – Produces predominately past model service parts for the automotive industry
• Proper Group International – Innovator in the plastic molding industry, delivering rapid prototype development to sophisticated injection molds for the transportation industry
• ZF – International supplier of automotive driveline and chassis technology

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.