Schools

HFCC Will Offer Three-Year Training Program for Prospective Engineers

Students can earn an associate's degree and on-the-job training with pay beginning fall 2013.

Henry Ford Community College is one of two community colleges in Michigan equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for mechatronics training through the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program, which starts fall 2013.

The MAT2 program provides the following:

• A three-year training program with all costs paid by an employer.
• An associate’s degree in a high-tech, in-demand field.
• On-the-job training with pay.
• Guaranteed employment upon successful completion (the student must commit to remaining on the job for a minimum of two years after the training period ends).

Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mechatronics combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computer technology and information technology. Mechatronics technicians provide support to mechanical engineers, modify machines, make minor changes and provide maintenance for related equipment in advanced manufacturing companies.

“This is a great opportunity for students to earn an associate’s degree, a certificate, critical work experience and zero debt,” said Amy Cell, senior vice president of Talent Enhancement for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in Lansing.

Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

MAT2 combines state-of-the-art training facilities with actual work sites to give students a skills-based education. Students alternate between the classroom and learning lab, gaining marketable skills and valuable knowledge.

“MAT2 fits well with ongoing efforts here at HFCC to fill the needs employers currently have for skilled technicians, who have been in high demand in the country for the past 10-20 years. This program is essential to satisfy those needs,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, HFCC vice president of Academic Affairs for Career and Technical Programs.

Jim Anderson, an HFCC industrial automation instructor, agreed with Pierner.

“It’s really a unique program, thanks to HFCC’s affiliation with local industry. What you get out of the MAT2 program, it makes you much more employable and much more desirable as an employee in industry,” said Anderson.

For more information about MAT2, call 1-888-522-0103, or email MAT@michigan.org

Applications for MAT2 are available at www.mitalent.org/mat2-application-process.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here