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NEWS MTAG Expands Work-based Learning Opportunities For Students The Manufacturing Technology Advisory Group (MTAG) member companies are working in partnership with selected MTAG high schools and colleges for work-based learning opportunities for students and educators. Currently approximately 10 companies will offer manufacturing tours, guest speakers, training modules, and other support for students/educators in 15 selected MTAG high schools with manufacturing and/or engineering career interests. MTAG businesses intend to provide services to more than 300 juniors and seniors in Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, and vicinities. "Because manufacturing companies and teachers have united to educate students, the number of MTAG high school students who will learn about manufacturing will triple by the end of the 2001-2002 school year," said Fred Schuneman, Assistant Human Resource Director at Interstate Brands Corporation and a MTAG business member. MTAG was formed in 1992. One of the group's accomplishments is the identification of basic manufacturing core competencies for entry level manufacturing employees/students. MTAG high schools are schools that have taken the core competencies and integrated them into the curriculum. Participating colleges are those who have articulation agreements with the high schools for some of the manufacturing and/or engineering courses or with companies that provide internships resulting in college credits for qualifying students. MTAG businesses include Alpha Precision Machining Inc., The Boeing Company, Fluke, GM Nameplate, Hobart Machined Products, Inc., Insulate Windows, Interstate Brands Corporation, and others. The primary partner schools selected for their outstanding manufacturing programs are: Auburn, Cleveland, Emerald Ridge, Gov. John Rogers, Ingraham, Juanita, Kent Meridian, Lake Stevens, Lincoln, Lindberg, Mountlake Terrace, SeaTac Occupational Skill Center, Sno-Isle Skill Center, Spanaway Lake and West Sound Technical Center. Additionally, 10 alternate schools were selected and will receive limited opportunities until more businesses join the program. They are Auburn Riverside, Ballard, Chief Sealth, Fife, Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Monroe, Rainier Beach, Sumner and West Seattle. MTAG would like to offer more opportunities to more students. "It is up to us [business] to give students a chance to understand manufacturing technology today is interesting and can provide salaries that support almost any lifestyle. Until we help students, educators and parents understand our industry, manufacturing businesses will continue to spend increasing dollars to scour the world to find the employees needed by our companies", stated Lynn Brown, Boeing Educational Partnerships and MTAG Chairperson. MTAG is asking other Manufacturing businesses to join in the efforts to educate our youth. If your company or manufacturing organization can provide a person to support this effort (approximately 4-8 hours per month) then please join us. We are looking for businesses to provide one or, hopefully, more of the following services:
MTAG has built a website to help coordinate these activities. The website address is http://www.mtag-wa.org. Your participation will result in a valuable community service and possibly a workforce pool of qualified workers for the future. Please contact Mel Cossette at mel.cossette@edcc.edu or 425- 640-1376 for more information. |
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