JACKSON,
Mich., May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- During the
Jackson Area Manufacturers Association's 87th Annual
Meeting, JAMA Executive Director, Olivia Steele, and The Shop Rat Foundation
Executive Director, Kelly Kofflin,
made a groundbreaking announcement: the acquisition of a 26,000 sq
ft facility to serve as headquarters for both organizations and as
a dedicated training facility to support the community's robust
manufacturing education pipeline.
For the past two decades, both JAMA and The Shop Rat Foundation
have been at the forefront of manufacturing education. The Shop Rat
Foundation has focused on guiding youth through career exploration
and foundational skill development programs, while JAMA has served
as the primary standards holder for manufacturing apprenticeship
programs in the region, through their proprietary school, The
Academy for Manufacturing Careers.
"This is truly an inflection point for both organizations, to
grow exponentially in the depth and breadth of programming and
resources that we can offer to the community," said Kelly Kofflin, executive director of The Shop
Rat Foundation. "This space is the puzzle piece necessary for not
only the growth of our organizations, but our community partners to
truly meet the workforce needs of our manufacturers."
The facility will include a precision machining lab, welding lab
as well as numerous classroom spaces; greatly increasing the
capacity of the organizations to meet the training programs desired
to serve local schools and companies.
When asked about the endeavor, Olivia
Steele, executive director of JAMA shared:
"This new facility not only expands our technical capabilities
but also breaks down the barriers that have historically limited
access to crucial training programs, empowering our community and
fostering a brighter future for all. Because, when we come
together, we are stronger and better equipped to achieve our shared
goals.
The organizations are engaging in a $7M capital campaign in support of the project,
with significant contributions made to date from Alro Steel, The Hurst Foundation, Advance
Turning & Manufacturing, Peak Manufacturing, and Orbitform.
"Alro Steel recognizes the
critical need for a skilled workforce in today's manufacturing
environment," said Randy Glick, CEO
of Alro Steel. "Alro is proud to
partner with JAMA and the Shop Rat Foundation on the Advanced
Manufacturing Training Center which will help ensure we have a
pipeline of qualified workers in the Jackson community. Investing in the future of
manufacturing is a high priority for Alro."
Limited programming is planned to begin at the new facility
beginning Summer 2024, pending completion of planned upgrades to
the facility.
For details regarding sponsorship and donation opportunities
available in support of the new facility, please contact
Kelly Kofflin of The Shop Rat
Foundation or Olivia Steele of
JAMA.
About The Shop Rat Foundation
The Shop Rat Foundation
is a Jackson-based, nonprofit
organization with a mission to "ignite interest in manufacturing
and professional trades careers among youth through innovation and
outreach." The organization's curriculum focuses on construction
trades, engineering, machining, robotics and welding; serving over
4,000 youth annually through in-school partnership programs,
extracurricular classes and camps, as well as community events
focused on opportunities for youth to gain awareness of, engage
with and explore careers within the manufacturing and professional
trades sectors. The Shop Rat Foundation is an active partner in the
Jackson County Talent Consortium and facilitation of National
Manufacturing Day related activities. Learn more at
www.shoprat.org.
About Jackson Area Manufacturers Association
(JAMA):
The Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is
a leading organization in Jackson,
Mich., dedicated to promoting the growth and success of
local manufacturers. With a focus on advocacy, education, and
networking, JAMA provides valuable resources and support to its
members, helping them thrive in a competitive industry. As the
primary manufacturing apprenticeship standards holder and
facilitator in the region, JAMA aims to strengthen the
manufacturing sector, enhance workforce development, and foster
collaboration among industry partners. Learn more at
www.jacksonjama.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Devon Bradley Roof
devonb@epicblueofficial.com
(517) 474-1573
The Shop Rat Foundation and JAMA
Contacts:
Kelly Kofflin
Executive Director, The Shop Rat Foundation
kburr.shoprat@gmail.com
(248) 207-5422
Olivia Steele
Executive Director/President, JAMA
osteele@mijama.org
(517) 917-6340
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-new-era-for-manufacturing-education-jackson-area-manufacturers-association-jama-and-the-shop-rat-foundation-announce-opening-of-new-collaborative-advanced-manufacturing-training-center-302145074.html
SOURCE The Shop Rat Foundation