Training Assistance

So now that you're a part of Michigan's Great Southwest, working hard at your job and enjoying the great lakeside lifestyle, you might want to further explore your chosen field, or learn new business-related skills to help keep you striving for the top. There are several places where you can hone your skills, test your abilities, and grow into a pedigreed employee, whatever your profession.

Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College is a comprehensive public community college, accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, offering more than 700 courses and serving more than 3,200 students in the fall and winter semesters. The College offers associate degrees and certifications. The college is organized into six divisions: General Studies, Technologies and Occupational Studies, Student Services, Corporate and Community Services, Library Services, and Extension Programs.

Mendel Center for Arts and Technology.
Located on the Lake Michigan College campus, the Mendel Center, opened in 1992, serves as a comprehensive educational, training, and conference showcase. It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a workforce training facility, the Advanced Technologies Training Center, a Computer Training Institute, Executive Training Center, and the Frederick Upton Telecommunications Center.

Business & Industry Training Department. Offers customized training services ranging from management workshops, TQM, supervisory skills, technical skills (CAD/CAM, electronics, robotics, SPC), basic skills training, training needs assessment, customer service, etc.

Apprenticeship Training. Through partnerships with 86 regional companies, 62 new apprenticeship training standards have been registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training to develop a skilled trade work force.

Continuing Education Department. Provides seminars to upgrade professional skills: Computer Training Institute, Teleconferences, Sales Training, Small Business and International Trade Certificate programs.

International Business Center. In partnership with Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County Economic Development, Michigan International Office and the US Department of Commerce, international trade workshops, export assistance and referral services are provided to help companies compete in a global economy.

M-TEC(SM) at Lake Michigan College
The Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TECsm) at Lake Michigan College is a brand new 43,879 square foot facility. M-TEC at Lake Michigan College is this region's answer to high-skill, high-wage, high-demand job training. Economic strength is necessary for this region to continue to be vital and prosperous, and this facility is a key factor that will contribute to our region's economic success.

The center will address the training needs of area businesses and industry by providing high-skill training with state-of-the-art equipment in an industry-like facility. Programs, and the potential careers they lead to, offered at this facility include:
  • Drafting & Design
  • Graphic designer
  • Machine designer
  • Mold designer
  • Tool designer
  • Electronics/Electronic Technology
  • Electronics technician
  • Electrical technician
  • Robotics technician
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Maintenance technician
  • Machine repairer
  • Maintenance engineer
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Tool & die maker
  • Machinist
  • CNC programmer
  • Mold maker
  • CNC operator
  • Machine builder
  • Quality Assurance
  • Layout technician
  • Quality control technician
  • Calibration technician
In addition, an Apprentice Program is housed at M-TEC at Lake Michigan College. The program is a partnership between area businesses and Lake Michigan College to train employees through a combination of classroom and lab instruction as well as structured, work-based learning. The college's Community and Business Services operations and training program is also housed in this facility.



Community and Business Services at Lake Michigan College
The Community and Business Services of Lake Michigan College works to identify and respond to the ongoing skill and enrichment needs of the community. Annually, the division serves about 4,500 adult learners through apprentice training, customized business services, professional continuing education and the Small Business Development Center.

In continuing to meet the changing needs of the community, more self-paced computer courses are being offered, computer lab times are being extended to make the resources more accessible to community members.

Additionally, staff assists area companies in the implementation and delivery of cost effective, quality initiatives and standards such as ISO 9000, QS-9000, TE-9000; develop employee screening, assessment and orientation programs; set up on-site basic skills labs, and develop video or CD-ROM-based training programs.

The Community and Business Services Department also sponsors an apprentice training program that allows local companies to plan for a steady supply of highly-skilled, entry-level workers. All apprentices/trainees learn through a combination of classroom instruction and structured work-based learning. Each program is custom tailored to the needs of the individual company and all company-sponsored apprenticeship training programs are approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor.

Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University offers bachelor degree completion programs on the Lake Michigan College campus. Degrees offered include bachelor of arts degrees in accounting, business administration and general studies, and bachelor of applied science degrees for associate degree holders in a variety of allied health, trade and industrial programs.

Andrews University
Andrews University is a religious liberal arts institution serving Seventh Day Adventists and other students. The campus is located on 1,400 rolling acres in Berrien Springs, attracting students from around the globe. They offer bachelor's degrees, as well as postgraduate degrees, in five schools: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Technology, School of Business, School of Education, and Theological Seminary.

Western Michigan University Southwest Regional Office
The Southwest Regional Center offers master degree programs in elementary education, educational leadership, reading, mechanical engineering and business administration. WMU also offers a number of undergraduate programs.

Surrounding Colleges & Universities
In addition to the programs described above, Michigan's Great Southwest is within close proximity to many reputable colleges and universities in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois that may have the training you need.

Please contact Al Pscholka of the Community Partnership for Lifelong Learning at (269) 925-6100 ext. 225 or Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce at (269) 925-6100 to learn more about the training opportunities available in Michigan's Great Southwest.
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For more information
Cornerstone Alliance
P.O. Box 428, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
tel: (269) 925-6100
webmaster@michigansgreatsw.com