Training Resources and Funding Within Reach

With the right skills, your team can meet the requirements of an ever-shifting marketplace. With the right partner, your company can become an “Employer of Choice,” saving money and stress in recruiting and retention and improving profitability.

Polaris MEP is the Manufacturing Sector Workforce Intermediary for Real Jobs RI. We address your company’s workforce needs by providing new hire placement and training assistance and/or incumbent worker trainings. All services are highly customizable to ensure you are obtaining and retaining people with the skills that fit your needs.

Polaris MEP supports several intensive hands-on skills training programs for organizations that train unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders in a variety of manufacturing-based careers. These trainings include welding/ fabrication, machining, and marine trades. Local companies gain access to a pool of individuals prepared with the technical and soft skills necessary to advance your business.

Incumbent worker training is vital to retaining current employees. “Upskilling,” leadership training, and raising their performance levels is essential to growing your business. By instilling a culture of continuous improvement, your team will always be ready to tackle the advanced manufacturing challenges of the future.

I see training as critical to helping our business push into new markets. The team at Polaris MEP has been great to work with for many years. Their services such as Job Instruction and skills training help us stay competitive and grow.

Mary Jane Connell
Human Resources Manager,
Colonial Mills, Inc.

Your Biggest Challenges Solved

Hire & Retain Talent

Market Competitiveness

Improve Quality

FEATURED PROGRAMS

JARC RI

A nationally-recognized Sectoral approach / Center for Working Families model, bringing advanced manufacturing training to RI’s underserved communities. 

JARC manufacturing job trainee and instructor

Fast Track to Manufacturing

We Make RI

Helping RI Manufacturers fill open positions by recruiting and training potential workers in General Manufacturing, Materials Handling, or Industrial Sewing.

Job Quality Toolkit

Rhode Island manufacturing companies that prioritize job quality become Employers of Choice. But what strategies and actions will help small to medium-sized manufacturers achieve this?

The “Job Quality Toolkit” is an actionable tool that Polaris MEP has begun leveraging to help RI manufacturers reach their workforce goals. It all starts with a free, online self-assessment that you and other leaders can take to begin to understand how candidates and current employees view your company. CLICK HERE to learn more and get on a path to becoming an Employer of Choice.

HOW WE HELP

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Training is vital to retaining current employees. Polaris MEP helps you get those employees ready to tackle tomorrow’s manufacturing challenges, today.

On-site, in-context training customized to your needs:

  • lean enterprise,
  • continuous improvement,
  • quality and management systems,
  • succession planning,
  • and many other critical skillsets.

CONNECTED RESOURCES

Polaris MEP is a direct line to get manufacturers the hiring and training support they need.

We are the Manufacturing Sector partner for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and its Real Jobs RI programs. 

Polaris MEP also supports several intensive skills training programs that train unemployed/ underemployed Rhode Islanders for manufacturing careers.

GRANT FUNDING

The Governor’s Workforce Board partnered with Polaris MEP to offer Incumbent Worker Training Grants for manufacturers through the Real Jobs RI program. This program provides matching grants to manufacturing businesses to increase the skills of current employees.

There also might be other grant sources for your needs! Polaris MEP can guide you to satisfy application requirements and acquire funding for hiring and training.

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

Polaris MEP provides a variety of ways to help your team informed on the latest tools and techniques, or brush up on the essentials.

Join us for

  • webinars,
  • workshops,
  • lunch & learns,
  • bus tours and more.

A Direct Connection to Development Resources

  • Polaris MEP works closely with the RI Department of Labor & Training, as well as numerous Workforce Development organizations. Our access is your access.
  • Training programs conducted by seasoned manufacturing veterans.
  • Boost your competitiveness and future-proof your team with continuous development and long term learning plans.

Related

Retraining your current employees can help retain workers and avoid a gap in skilled labor. With training, these employees can learn the skills necessary to continue and advance in their roles, while also advancing your company’s bottom line.

Lindsey Brickle
Workforce Program Manager, Polaris MEP

Where is your strategy driving your company?
Schedule your assessment today!

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