Manufacturing Matters Graduates First Class. Accepting Applications for Next Class.

READY FOR MANUFACTURING

RICHMOND — The new fast track training program for good jobs, Manufacturing Matters, graduated its first class Friday.

The program led by Ivy Tech Community College Richmond’s Corporate College in collaboration with WorkOne is accepting applications for the next class that starts Feb. 24.

Twelve area residents celebrated the completion of the program at a job fair and interviewing with local manufacturers who are program partners. The graduates completing the course and examinations earn the nationally recognized certification — Certified Production Technician.

The first class includes Jarrod Andrews and Bob Harding, Connersville; Chris Studt, Laurel; Mary Ann Frazier, Mark Hawkins, Marc Lechuga, Dylan McLemore, Darren McEwen, Rita Robinson and Wilmi Vizcaino, all of Richmond; Randy Tucker, Centerville; and Kenny Warner, Lynn.

Manufacturing employer partners include GE Roots and Stant USA Corporation of Connersville, Color-Box, Emerson Climate Technologies, Johns Manville, Mosey Manufacturing Company, Primex Plastics Corporation, Richmond Baking Company, Trane/Ingersoll Rand and Vandor Corporation.

Feb. 7 is the deadline to apply for the Feb. 24 class. Applicants qualifying for the program receive a full scholarship worth $2,600. To qualify for the program applicants must complete WorkKeys testing, participate in an interview and pass a drug screening.

Training includes safety, quality and measurement, manufacturing production and maintenance awareness. Participants learn valuable skills and receive an orientation to what it’s like to work in manufacturing, equipping them to make better decisions in seeking employment. To learn more and apply online visit manufacturingmatters.info.

Duke Energy, the Economic Growth Group, Wayne County Foundation, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County are among program funders.

WorkOne coordinates the application and qualification process. Ivy Tech Community College Richmond’s Corporate College and WorkOne provide the job training and employability skills.

Manufacturing Matters is a collaborative effort of the Economic Development Group of Connersville, Mayor’s Office City of Connersville, Connersville Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, the Rush County Economic & Community Development Corporation, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, Rush County Chamber of Commerce, Mayor’s Office City of Richmond, Mayor’s Office City of Rushville, WorkOne, Ivy Tech Corporate College and manufacturing employers.

Applicants are urged to apply now at manufacturingmatters.info. For more information, contact Acacia St. John, astjohn@work-one.org or Gail Martin, gmartin@work-one.org or 765-962-8591 ext. 2702.

Published January 31, 2014 by News Examiner