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The manufacturing industry added thousands of jobs in 2013 according to the Tulsa Metro Chamber and a new program set to begin at ¸Û²Ê¿ª½± is designed to help qualified individuals find employment leading to a career in the manufacturing industry in less than six months.

¸Û²Ê¿ª½± will launch a fast-tracked, 16-week manufacturing training program. The Demand Driven Training Program provides a thorough understanding of manufacturing terminology and basic skills as well as exposure to real world experience and hands-on application.

The program was made possible by a $2.5 million grant awarded to ¸Û²Ê¿ª½± from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) initiative. The program provides training for entry-level positions in manufacturing and help fills a growing skilled-labor gap with current employees retiring at a rapid rate. The 16-week class is organized by four modules that focus on safety; quality practices and measurement, manufacturing processes and production, and maintenance awareness.

Following the conclusion of each module, students will complete an assessment. Once the fast-track program is completed, the participant will have earned 12 college credit hours within the Engineering Technology degree program as well as a Workforce Certificate of Achievement from ¸Û²Ê¿ª½±. Students also will have earned their national credential from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council – the Certified Production Technician.

The program is designed to assist unemployed, dislocated workers and/or recently laid-off workers and veterans to get back into the workforce. Graduates receive assistance in job placement for entry-level positions such as machinist, assembler and technician and can expect to earn $11 to $15 per hour, according to industry experts.

Classes are from 8 a.m. – noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday beginning Feb. 11 at ¸Û²Ê¿ª½± Northeast Campus and run through May 2014. Individuals must go through a screening process to see if they qualify for the program. For more information, contact Montoya Boaz at (918) 595-7987.