GRANTEE:                   Missouri Incutech Foundation           

ADDRESS:                  800 University Drive, Suite 111

                             Rolla, MO 65401

AMOUNT:                    $2,156,111

DURATION:                January 5, 2004 - January 5, 2007 (36 months)

POPULATION SERVED:  This project will serve 250 individuals (approximately 200 incumbent and 50 unemployed) in the area of Advanced Manufacturing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  This project offers one advanced manufacturing track to all trainees.  The class track consists of three separate certificate series: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Business Leadership.  Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma each consist of 20 days of training in both the classroom and on-the-job training.  Business Leadership will last 15 days and consist mostly of classroom training.  The certificate for each series will be issued upon passing a four hour comprehensive exam.  Once all three certificates are achieved, the participant will be eligible for the Advanced Manufacturing Specialist Certification. 

Partnering employers will provide participants paid release time to attend training, constituting the majority of the match ($2,100,000).  An additional $75,000 in cash match will also be provided.  The total amount of match is $2,175,000

This project expects to raise the average income of its incumbent participants from $45,000/year to $60,000/year.  Further, 80 percent of the unemployed trainees will be placed in new jobs by the completion of their training.  Each trainee is expected to complete at least one of the industry recognized certificate series: Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma (Black Belt Level).  Further, upon completion of the certifications, it is expected that trainees could sit for, and pass, various related industry recognized certifications (e.g.  Certified Enterprise Integrator sponsored by the Society for Manufacturing Engineers). 

A third party resource will be selected and contracted to screen and evaluate training candidates.  Candidates will be evaluated for the following qualifications: 1) Motivation to develop advanced skill levels, 2) bachelors degree in relevant subject (exceptions based on equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered), 3) Minimum of two years manufacturing-related experience. 

KEY PARTICIPANTS:  Missouri Association for Advanced Manufacturing (MAAM); Missouri Enterprise Business Assistance Center.

MEDIA CONTACT:    Jeanne L Wagner

                            (573) 364-8570