Training Resources and Funding Within Reach
With the right skills, your team can meet the requirements of an ever-shifting marketplace.
As the Manufacturing Sector Workforce Intermediary for Real Jobs RI, Polaris MEP is poised to address your company’s workforce needs by providing new hire placement and training assistance and/or incumbent worker trainings. Both services are highly customizable to ensure you are obtaining and retaining people with the skills that fit your needs.
Polaris MEP supports several intensive hands-on skills training programs for organizations that train unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders in a variety of manufacturing-based careers. These trainings include welding/fabrication, machining, and marine trades. As such, local companies gain access to a pool of individuals prepared with the technical and soft skills necessary to advance your business.
Incumbent worker training is vital to retaining current employees, adding to their skill sets, and raising their performance levels is essential to growing your business. By instilling a culture of continuous improvement, your team will always be ready to tackle the advanced manufacturing challenges of the future.
I see training as critical to helping our business push into new markets. The team at Polaris MEP has been great to work with for many years. Their services such as Job Instruction and skills training help us stay competitive and grow.
Mary Jane Connell
Human Resources Manager,
Colonial Mills, Inc.
Your Biggest Challenges Solved
Hire & Retain Talent
Market Competitiveness
Improve Quality
How We Help
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
Training is vital to retaining current employees. Polaris MEP helps you get those employees ready to tackle tomorrow’s manufacturing challenges, today.
On-site, in-context training customized to your needs:
- lean enterprise,
- continuous improvement,
- quality and management systems,
- succession planning,
- and many other critical skillsets.
CONNECTED RESOURCES
Polaris MEP is a direct line to get manufacturers the hiring and training support they need.
We are the Manufacturing Sector partner for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and its Real Jobs RI programs.
Polaris MEP also supports several intensive skills training programs that train unemployed/ underemployed Rhode Islanders for manufacturing careers.
GRANT FUNDING
The Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB) Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program is funded by the Job Development Fund (JDF). This program provides matching grants to businesses to increase the skills of current employees.
Polaris MEP can help you satisfy application requirements and acquire funding for hiring and training.
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
Polaris MEP provides a variety of ways to help your team informed on the latest tools and techniques, or brush up on the essentials.
Join us for
- webinars,
- workshops,
- lunch & learns,
- bus tours and more.
A Direct Connection to Development Resources
- Polaris MEP works closely with the RI Department of Labor & Training, as well as numerous Workforce Development organizations. Our access is your access.
- Training programs conducted by seasoned manufacturing veterans.
- Boost your competitiveness and future-proof your team with continuous development and long term learning plans.
Related
TWI: Lean Genesis
Lean manufacturing has its roots in Training Within Industry (TWI), a training method introduced more than 80 years during the World Wars to both reduce training time AND make workers more productive. Project Manager Nathan Bonds kicks off a series of Lean Tip of the...
TWI: Job Instruction
Training Within Industry (TWI) is an effective training method that has been proven over 80 years to both reduce training time AND make workers more productive. Through JOB INSTRUCTION (JI) training, you'll master a 4 step methodology to quickly train employees to do...
TWI: Job Methods
Training Within Industry (TWI) is an effective training method that has been proven over 80 years to both reduce training time AND make workers more productive. In this Lean Tip of the Week video, Polaris MEP Project Manager Nathan Bonds explains how the JOB METHODS...
Retraining your current employees can help retain workers and avoid a gap in skilled labor. With training, these employees can learn the skills necessary to continue and advance in their roles, while also advancing your company’s bottom line.
Lindsey Brickle
Workforce Program Manager, Polaris MEP
Category: Workforce Development
Boston Globe: Shortages are more than a simple supply chain problem
A technology and innovation gap could be contributing to Rhode Island manufacturer’s COVID-19 supply chain woes.
5 Quick Tips to Controlling Inventory in 2022
Rhode Island manufacturing Project Manager Annie Unger offers 5 Quick Tips to Controlling Inventory in 2022 in this video/blog post.
5 Tips for Controlling Inventory
VIDEO: Workforce Project Manager Annie Unger shares 5 tips for controlling inventory that yield proven results for smaller manufacturers.
Lean Manufacturing Tip Video – The Team Board
Tips/video on implementing a lean manufacturing tactic, the “team board,” to improve performance across safety, productivity, delivery, cost and more.
The Team Board
VIDEO: Lean Tip of the Week | Team Boards are a lean manufacturing tactic to track and improve Safety, Quality, Productivity, Delivery, Cost.
Polaris MEP Reports Positive Economic Impact from FY 2021 Programs
RI Manufacturing Center Polaris MEP reports positive economic impacts from FY 2021 programs including 1,628 jobs added or retained.
Providence Business News: Manufacturers renew call for business on-site COVID-19 testing
Rhode Island manufacturers call for business on-site COVID-19 testing. Providence Business News reports Polaris MEP is supporting the demand.
Johnston Sunrise: Scituate CTE program breaks out high-tech show-and-tell house
Polaris MEP pilots a new program that uses virtual reality to encourage students to join manufacturing careers.
Providence Business News: Phoenix Partnership offers manufacturer employer training classess
Polaris MEP will offer its Level 200 Manufacturing Developmental Series, part o a free manufacturer employer training sessions,
RI Mask Mandate & Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Manufacturers
A mask mandate goes into effect in RI December 20th. Polaris MEP and RIMA offer a summary, COVID-19 guidance & resources for manufacturers.

