News

April 17, 2008 - Macomb Community College and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) recognized the first graduates of the MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) on Tuesday, April 15th, at the 78th annual Michigan Safety Conference in Lansing. The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

Richard McMillan, Ph.D., Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development, Macomb Community College, and Doug Kalinowski, CIH, Director, MIOSHA Program, presented MTI Level I Certificates to 13 graduates. Currently there are 917 students from 330 companies registered in the MTI program, which provides a wide range of seminars with 28 cosponsors across the state.

"The MTI has quickly become the premier provider of high-quality workplace safety and health training," said Kalinowski. "Employers with a strong safety and health system experience significantly reduced workplace injuries ? which has a tremendous impact on their bottom line. The MTI offers participants the necessary knowledge and hands-on training for safety and health solutions."

Macomb and MIOSHA established a formal alliance on Sept. 26, 2005, to develop new opportunities to help protect the safety and health of Michigan workers. A key goal of the alliance was to establish the MIOSHA Training Institute to offer employers a high level of safety and health training. MTI launched certification classes in October 2007.

"As a leader in workforce development, Macomb College is pleased to partner with MIOSHA to heighten the importance of workplace safety and health practices to enhance both employee experiences and employer objectives," said McMillan. "By the end of our first year in September 2008 of offering certification statewide, we expect to provide real-world safety training solutions to 1,600 individuals."

The MTI delivers affordable, participant-driven and informative seminars based on the most up-to-date industry standards in a hands-on, interactive environment. Safety directors, safety coordinators, safety committee members, and union members can attend a series of courses that will help them develop the knowledge and skills to improve their company's safety and health system.

MTI classes are consistent throughout the state, and have the same length, format, resources, activities, objectives and assessment. In FY 2008 the MTI is offering more than 80 courses statewide at Macomb College, M-TEC facilities, community colleges, and safety and health organizations.

Participants can select and attend MTI courses at any cosponsored location. All participants who successfully complete a course will become part of the MTI database managed by Macomb College. Certification is awarded when a participant attends six full days of training within a three-year time frame. Transcripts are available to all participants.

Participants can select and attend MTI courses at any cosponsored location. All participants who successfully complete a course will become part of the MTI database managed by Macomb College. Certification is awarded when a participant attends six full days of training within a three-year time frame. Transcripts are available to all participants.

The MTI Certification Program offers participants an opportunity to be recognized for their educational efforts and increased technical expertise. The courses offer Continuing Education Credits and Maintenance Points, as well as an opportunity to achieve Level One Safety and Health Certification. There are two certification tracks, General Industry and Construction.

First MIOSHA Training Institute Graduates:
General Industry Safety and Health - Level I

Jefferey L. Church of Corunna
Employer: RSDC of Michigan LLC, Holt

Pamela J. Frink of Washington Township
Employer: Ralco Industries, Auburn Hills

Gwendolyn Gaston-Kelley of Warren
Employer: Chrysler

Jessie L. Hamlin of Kalamazoo
Employer: Mueller Industries, Portage

Diana L. Head of Plainwell
Employer: Checker Motors, Kalamazoo

Jamie A. Sleight of Charlotte
Employer: Michigan Packaging Company, Mason

Joylyn R. Stover of Jackson
Employer: Consumers Energy, Jackson

Rumiko Takezawa of Farmington Hills
Employer: Hitachi Automotive Products, Farmington Hills

Steven J. Westerfield of Lapeer
Employer: Die Tech Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., Imlay City

Construction Safety and Health - Level I

Susan L. Baker of Brighton
Employer: Baker Construction Company, Inc., Whitmore Lake

Kyle R. Frailing of Kalamazoo
Employer: Miller-Davis Company, Kalamazoo

Matthew A. Johnson of Plymouth
Self-employed

Dual Certification - General Industry & Construction - Level 1

Michael G. Woolman of Center Line
Employer: Ford Motor Company, Woodhaven

Macomb's comprehensive Workforce Development Institute (WDI) administers the MTI. The Macomb WDI is focused on maintaining Michigan's competitive edge in the global economy-assisting industry in sustaining a highly skilled workforce and supporting meaningful employment opportunities. The college's workforce development and training programs are developed in conjunction with the business and labor community, and are headquartered in Macomb's M-TEC.