Since 1985, Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) has offered a range of services designed to meet the social, economic, and educational needs of the adults in greater metropolitan Chicago. By bridging community and market needs, JARC's work helps to strengthen the economy of local neighborhoods. They continue to receive regional and national recognition as a best practice model for community and economic development. Their metalworking programs are recognized by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training and award CEU for successful completion of its short- and long-term training programs. The range of programs include the technical, job- and occupation-specific, basic skill development and computer-related courses. For more information, visit the job training area of their website at http://www.jane-addams.org

Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH
The Manufacturing Center at Cuyahoga Community College provides the basic and advanced training essential for today’s workforce.  Located in downtown Cleveland, OH, the Manufacturing Center is a component of the College’s Workforce and Economic Development Division. The Center provides technical assistance and guidance to manufacturers to help increase the number and quality of high performance workplaces, and incorporates the latest nationally recognized skill standards into educational programs and workforce preparation initiatives. The Manufacturing Center offers a wide array of credit, non-credit, certificate, and customized educational programs that use the latest manufacturing equipment and technologies. The Center offers programs in Manufacturing Excellence, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Technologies, Industrial Maintenance, Pre-Apprenticeship (Precision Machining Technology) and Manufacturing Technology Apprenticeship Training. For more information, visit their website at  www.tri-c.cc.oh.us

Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN
Located in southeastern Indiana, just 2 hours from Indianapolis, Vincennes University is a two-year accredited, state-supported and highly acclaimed residential college with a big opportunities. Ranked 12th among associate-degree granting colleges in the U.S., VU offers a wide variety of two-year occupational and transfer programs. Among them, is their Machine Trades Technology Program which provides the training needed for several areas of metalforming and manufacturing fields. Check out Vincennes at www.vinu.edu; it can provide just the training you need.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) is the 10th largest college in Minnesota offering both liberal arts and technical programs. Located in the heart of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MCTC helps people chase their dreams by offering choices-over 100 technical and liberal arts programs to choose from. From astronomy to aviation mechanics, economics to electronic publishing, there are so many paths to choose from that you can't help but discover a field that inspires you! Among their outstanding programs is their Machine Tooling Technologies program for careers in metalforming and manufacturing. Learn more about MCTC at www.minneapolis.edu

Ferris State University, College of Technology, Big Rapids, MI
The College of Technology of FSU has a long, successful history of preparing graduates in a number of selected fields where there is a shortage of skilled technical workers and managers. Each of the curriculums in the College of Technology is carefully planned with the help and advice of people in business and industry. Thirteen different College of Technology degree options and selected courses are currently offered. Two-year programs in the College lead to an associate in applied science degree. Associate degree graduates from FSU or other institutions' technical program can transfer directly into the junior level of the bachelor's degree programs. The Applied Technology Center, located on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, MI, is a 170,000 sq. ft. facility designed to serve the educational needs of both full and part-time students and the training needs of business and industry in west Michigan. For more information about Ferris State University and how their programs can get you started on the right track for a metalworking career, go to www.ferris.edu

Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, MI
Ferris State and Grand Rapids Community College are dedicated to expanding the capabilities of current and future employees for West Michigan. The articulated bachelor degrees and certificate programs offered at Ferris-Grand Rapids demonstrate this partnership. Students can transfer seamlessly from a GRCC associate degree into a complimentary bachelor's program through FSU with no loss of credit. 

The Applied Technology Center, Grand Rapids, MI, services approximately 10,000 individuals every week through course offerings, training programs and conferencing services. Technology departments enroll more than 2,500 students in over 120 courses each semester. State of the art training labs provide practical learning environments and processes like those that students will encounter in the workplace. Almost half of the Technology students are participating in apprenticeship programs. GRCC offers programs to meet occupational needs through classroom instruction for apprenticeships, journeymen and employees-in-training. These classes meet the requirements agreed upon by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, US Dept. of Labor and the participating companies. Look here to learn more about the opportunities available at Grand Rapids Community College, www.grcc.cc.mi.us  or call (616) 234-3605.

Ottawa Area Michigan Technology Education Center (M-TECH), Holland, MI
Also partnering with Grand Rapids Community College, this new technology center, open Fall 2000, offers a unique modular program where open entry/open exit programming and flexible delivery are key. The Center offers both traditional and open entry/open exit formats allowing students to choose specific skill sets and flexible time schedules. One of eight such technology centers through Michigan, the Ottawa area M-TECH has a link to K-12 education where 11th-12th grade students are currently enrolled in their Manufacturing Technologies Program. Programs are based on industry needs and customized if needed. Based on a 90% achievement requirement to move on, student can retake courses if needed until they succeed. For more information about the Ottawa area M-TECH, call (616) 738-8935.