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.
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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
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