Alma-based Merrill Institute recently received its license to operate as a private school within Michigan and now is enrolling students for its welding certification program to start on Oct. 14.
The institute creates curriculums that support current and future industry needs by providing students hands-on learning in a manufacturing environment. It currently offers an accelerated single semester certification program, accredited by the American Welding Society. The certification is recognized worldwide.
“We’re setting students up for success the moment they walk in,” said Mark Johnston, director of Merrill Institute at Merrill Technologies. “And we have some of the most talented instructors in the industry training them.”
Johnston said there is a shortage of skilled labor today. He also said that people are unaware of the earning and career advancement possibilities in manufacturing. Entry-level welders could work to continue their education to become welding inspectors, instructors, estimators or project managers.
“Local employers were struggling to find the skilled labor they need,” he said. “I think there’s a big misconception about manufacturing. There’s a lot of opportunity. If someone’s willing to work hard and continue learning, there’s the potential to make a six-figure income.”
The welding program is facilitated by nationally-recognized AWS-certified welding educators and instructors. The program consists of about 522 hours of accelerated training that covers the most common welding processes. The institute also is establishing a program for machinist certification — another skilled-trade need that is going unmet in the region. He hopes that the program will be available by spring.
To help connect students with jobs, the institute is hosting a reverse job fair on Sept. 26 where employers can network with recent program graduates.
The Merrill Institute initially launched in October 2011 to provide a no-cost welding course to unemployed workers and military veterans. The courses were funded by the Michigan Department of Labor, Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Michigan Community Ventures.
Since its inception, 95 percent of the students have graduated from the program and received certification, while 85 percent have found employment after graduation.
Johnston said that although the institute is licensed as a private school and the program is accredited by the AWS, he is starting the process to gain accreditation as a post-secondary education school which will allow students to use federal student loans to pay for tuition.
The institute also has partnered with MiTech+ and Meridian High School as part of the regional STEM initiatives to increase high school student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based careers. The institute worked with teachers to provide hands-on, project-based learning in the classroom and will be hosting camps for students wanting to learn more about the opportunities available in manufacturing.
Enrollment for the Oct. 14 program is limited to 30 students. To learn more about the specific courses, costs and schedule, visit: merrillinstitute.com
The Merrill Institute can be reached at (989) 462-0322 or info-min@merrillinst.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.