The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest has been involved in MAT2 since its inception in 2013. In 2018, it was selected by Michigan’s Talent Investment Agency to assist the program management of MAT2 and in 2019 transitioned to full management of the program, including alignment with the standards of the ICATT Apprenticeship Program. GACC Midwest created the ICATT Apprenticeship Program in 2015, now active in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, and advises and certifies programs across the country. In addition to its work with apprenticeship programs, GACC Midwest promotes and assists in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the United States.
Michigan Advanced Technician Training Program (MAT2) is an innovative, industry-driven approach to education. Developed in conjunction with global industry technology leaders to combine theory, practice and work to train a globally competitive workforce, MAT² addresses two critical issues facing the manufacturing and technology industries: a widening skills gap and an aging workforce. This is an apprenticeship program where students alternate between classroom instruction and on-the-job training, gaining the necessary hands-on skills and real-world experiences for them to become a successful and productive member of the skilled workforce.
GACC MIDWEST
Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training
German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest
STRATEGIC STEERING COMMITTEE
The Strategic Steering Committee (SSC) guided the establishment and implementation of the MAT2 program. The committee members bring expertise from industry, education, workforce and economic development, and lead the continued growth and development of the program, serving as subject-matter experts in their occupational program areas.