Lake Land College and Mars PetCare are excited to offer a unique, eight-week fast track Manufacturing Skills Certificate Program.
Individuals who are selected to complete the no-cost training will receive a Lake Land College certificate and be hired by Mars PetCare as a Warehouse or Packaging Operator. Mars PetCare provides a starting hourly wage of $17 and immediate full benefits including health, dental, vision, vacation time and retirement programs. In addition, all associates who join the Mars PetCare family are provided opportunities to participate in additional training.
Interested applicants must attend an informational meeting on December 10 at 6 p.m. or December 11 at 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center to learn more details of the training program and application process. All applications will complete a screening process, and applicants will be interviewed before starting the program. Applicants will be required to complete a drug screening and a criminal background check as condition for hiring. In addition, applicants will be provided with information about financial aid and funding sources available to cover the cost of Lake Land College tuition and fees.
This program is eligible for the Lake Land College Guaranteed Financial Assistance Program. Students are required to first apply for both state and federal financial assistance. Should those sources not cover the cost, Lake Land College will waive any tuition and fees that remain. Tuition and Fees for this program are estimated at $2,300 per student.
Classes begin January 6 and will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Workforce Development Center.
“Lake Land College is pleased to work with local businesses to create a responsive, customized training program to meet the organization’s need for a skilled workforce,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “By working with companies such as Mars PetCare, we create partnerships that strengthen our regional workforce and communities.”
Located in Mattoon, the plant is the largest producer of dry pet food and care & treats in the company’s North American network. The site produces several iconic pet food brands including PEDIGREE®, DENTASTIX™, IAMS™ and CESAR®, among others. Products manufactured in Mattoon are distributed nationally to serve consumers in more than half of the country.
Mars PetCare is committed to supporting job growth in the local Mattoon community. The site employs nearly 200 Associates from the area and receives 90 percent of its raw materials from partners within 150 miles of the city. Over the last ten years, Mars has invested over $90 million in the facility, including an expansion in 2013, adding 65,000 feet of manufacturing space as well as nearly 50 jobs.
Mars Petcare in Mattoon, is the largest producer of dry pet food and care & treats in the company’s North American network.
Total cost for program is $2,367.00. Financial aid will be available to those who qualify. Students are encouraged to complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA for the fall semester.
Additional funding may also be available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Enrollment in the program is secured through an application process and seating is limited.
To learn more about the fast-track program, attend the informational meeting.
The deadline to apply is December 13, 2019.
Industrial Safety, Manufacturing Skills I, Manufacturing Skills II, Manufacturing Skills III, Manufacturing Skills IV, Applied Shop Computations, Special Topics in Technology, Education-To-Careers. Learn More
Individuals who complete the training will receive a college certificate and will be hired by Mars Petcare in the positions of Warehouse or Packaging Operator.
Classes will meet at the Lake Land College Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave., E, Mattoon.