Florida MEP: Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2010

For more information please contact:
Claudia Follet
(321) 939-4000
claudiaf@floridamep.org

Mobile Job Training Program Connects Companies Looking to Hire with Residents Looking for Work

NAPLES, FL - Three area companies have found a way to streamline their hiring and training process with the help of the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Last week, Florida MEP, in partnership with the Economic Development Council of Collier County, wheeled its state-of-the-art Mobile Outreach Skills Training (M.O.S.T.®) unit into Naples where it set-up shop in the parking lot of the Haynes Corporation, a locally-based manufacturer of precision diesel fuel injection systems for heavy duty engines. This collaboration between Florida MEP and the Economic Development Council of Collier County coincides with Florida’s statewide celebration of Industry Appreciation Week.

Ten Collier County residents are currently enrolled in the intensive, two-week job training and placement program. Participants in the M.O.S.T.® program not only receive the latest manufacturing training, but also the promise of permanent employment with one of the three partnering companies following successful completion of the session. Local companies taking part in this training include Haynes Corporation, Pelican Wire and Thomas Riley Artisans' Guild.

“I spent my entire 35-year career up in Michigan working in the diesel fuel injection industry, and was able to take advantage of several programs similar to what Florida MEP offers. But, since moving to Florida seven years ago, I haven’t seen another program like M.O.S.T.® in this state. I’ve been very impressed with their curriculum, as well as their instructors, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity to work with Florida MEP,” said Dan Neely, Director of Manufacturing for the Haynes Corporation. “We plan to hire six people following this training. It’s comforting to know that the participants will be trained to do exactly what we do here at Haynes. Our new hires will be able to come in, work alongside some of our seasoned employees and basically speak the same language on the very first day.”

The Florida MEP M.O.S.T.® program provides quick-start job training for small and mid-sized manufacturers in need of entry-level workers. Outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, the M.O.S.T.® traveling unit offers participants an opportunity to upgrade or learn new manufacturing skills. The program consists of theory, practical skills, hands-on curriculum including computer-based 3-D simulations and self-paced training modules.

“With unemployment rates still at record highs, the job market is saturated with people looking for work. This has made it increasingly difficult for jobseekers to stand out,” said Tammie Nemecek, President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Collier County. “Florida MEP’s innovative M.O.S.T.® program, which we helped bring to Collier, is one way to assist our residents in gaining the extra training and knowledge needed to find full-time employment. At the same time, this program helps encourage growth and expansion by making the hiring and training process a whole lot easier for the participating companies.”

With the unique advantage of mobility, the M.O.S.T.® program is able to take its services to the parts of the state where jobs and potential employees are located. The unit can be situated right at the doorstep of an employer’s facility or at a location convenient for trainees. Additionally, the M.O.S.T.® program can be customized to suit the needs of participating employers, which helps reduce the time it typically takes for a trainee to become a productive employee.

“Working with Florida MEP has been an incredibly rewarding and positive experience for our workforce community,” said Helen Kreller, Employment Security Representative for the Career and Service Centers of Southwest Florida. “Our customers prefer personal interfaces and hands-on opportunities. The M.O.S.T.® program has brought that to Collier County and has increased interaction in our career center. We would like to invite other employers to utilize our center for their recruitment.”

Florida MEP pre-screens all candidates for the M.O.S.T.® program. To be eligible, participants are required to pass a basic education test and drug screening. Prior to selection for participation in the program, each candidate is interviewed by a M.O.S.T.® representative.

“In this time of economic uncertainty where jobs are scarce, Florida MEP is proud of the M.O.S.T.® program’s ability to help residents of our state secure employment through skills enhancement,” said Claudia Follet, Florida MEP Director of Grants and Partnership Development. “We are glad to work with our partners in Collier County to positively affect the livelihoods of these citizens.”

The program is funded in part by a U.S. Department of Labor grant of $856,000. For more information on Florida MEP or the M.O.S.T.® unit, visit www.floridamep.org or www.timewisemost.com.

-END-