2020: A Year of Growth and Momentum for the MAT² Apprenticeship Program

As the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to many businesses across the nation, the MAT² Apprenticeship program took advantage of the slow down and used this time to focus on closing the skills gap and training the future workforce. Despite the restrictions put in place due to the pandemic, MAT² continued to grow and Network Companies remained focused. As we look ahead to 2021, we want to reflect on a few moments from this year.

Network Companies Give Back During Pandemic

In the midst of a global pandemic, essential businesses across the country remained open and operational to support front-line workers, including Eaton. Eaton, a member of the MAT² network, partnered with Cleveland’s Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) to develop face shields for hospitals. With healthcare workers in dire need of access to personal protective equipment (PPE), Eaton rapidly scaled up production of face shields to deliver the volume needed to meet the demand of healthcare systems across the country.

Keeping Momentum Through Uncertain Times

As the country slowed down this year, our apprentices did not. The past year was a time to focus on your pipeline and hire and train new apprentices – which many MAT² Network Companies prioritized. We welcomed 17 MAT² Apprentices for the Summer of 2020 cohort, showing that workforce development should not stop because of a business slow down. Manufacturing continues to be the source for jobs across the country, and as we near the end of the year, now is the time to plan for the future.

Applicant Recruiting Goes Virtual

All through the spring, summer and fall months, the MAT² team shifted our applicant marketing efforts to online. Through webinars, videos, and live online presentations, the MAT² team remains able to reach prospective apprentices. Watch for more tools and resources for applicants and educators as the 2021 season progresses!

The Value of Hiring Veteran Apprentices

Recently, MAT² published a new white paper about the value of hiring veteran apprentices and how to incorporate their wide range of skills, traits and work experiences to truly reap the benefits of a veteran apprentice. A common challenge for veterans entering the workforce and hiring managers who want to recruit more veterans is a lack of understanding about the differences in both culture and terminology. The white paper focused on how to overcome the communication gap and create immediate value together with veteran apprentices.