Objective: An Advanced Center for Development and Delivery of Technology-Based Training to Prepare and Upgrade the Workforce of the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Region for High Skill, High-Paying Jobs.

Focus: Establish a new regional technical-training center. This center will include collaborative programs for customized, just-in-time training that will be a partnership of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Davenport College.

Activities: Create a New Facility and Collaborative Technical Training Program.

• Secure Private and Public Funding: A proposal to secure funding for this center from the Michigan Jobs Commission has been prepared jointly by regional stakeholders who have already matched funding requirements by the state and are committed to support the center over the next five years. Following a positive site visit by state representatives, the region is awaiting notification as to whether it will be designated as one of the recipients of the state grants.
• Build New Facility: The Technical Training Center is proposed as a 100,000 sq. ft. new building to be located at Kalamazoo Valley College's 248 acre technology park and adjacent to the new Dana Corporation R&D facility.
• Use a Fusion Approach: The curriculum and training process will focus on merging work and learning processes to optimize responsiveness to learners.
• Prepare Curriculum: The Center will develop a new curriculum for credit and non-credit offerings in conjunction with regional industries.
• Deliver Training: The Technical Training Center will deliver this curriculum through a range of advanced training systems including computer aided training and industry-specific training laboratories on site, distance learning systems, including live instruction broadcast to the manufacturing plant floor, and self-guided Internet based instruction.
• Collaborate: The unique feature of the Technology Training Center is its fundamental collaborative architecture, based on direct support and participation of regional industries, education, and training organizations.