MAT² program welcomes new apprentices in fast-growing career programs

Ethan Hurley and Chloe Doherty are two of 11 students in HFC’s MAT² cohort 8 apprenticeship program for the Fall 2020 Semester.

Managed by the German American Chamber of Congress of the Midwest, Inc. (GACC Midwest) since 2019, HFC offers students the opportunity through the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT²) program to earn a fully-funded associate degree in any of the following:

• Mechatronics: A multidisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on electrical and mechanical systems, and also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering.
• Computer Information Systems (CIS): A system of computers that processes and/or interprets information that an organization uses, and the way in which people interact with this technology in support of business practices. CIS focuses on hardware, software, telecommunication, and computer network systems.
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC): The automation of machine shop tools (such as grinders, drills, lathes, milling and stamping machines, etc.) by pre-programming computers to tell the machines exactly how to manipulate materials such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, titanium, wood, foam, fiberglass, and plastics.

MAT² is an industry-driven program in which sponsoring companies partner with HFC to cultivate talent and ensure a globally competitive workforce. Sponsoring companies help train and employ MAT² students as they pursue their associate degree at HFC which provides the classroom instruction, practical training, and on-the-job experience needed to ensure highly-skilled, readily employable graduates.

Ethan Hurley

A 2014 graduate of Dearborn High School (DHS), Ethan Hurley is specializing in the CIS aspect of MAT².

“I'm not opposed to learning the more engineering-heavy aspects, but my degree will focus more on the programming/coding components,” said Hurley, of Dearborn Heights. “I am tremendously excited to learn. I have had many wonderful professors so far in my time at HFC who have really cultivated that excitement – I'm ready to learn more!”

Chloe Doherty

A 2020 graduate of Southgate Anderson High School, Chloe Doherty will specialize in the mechatronics aspect of MAT².

“I’ve always wanted to go into mechatronics, and the MAT² program is the best and most exposing way to do it. It allows students a chance to study and work in their field right away,” said Doherty, of Lincoln Park. “The MAT² program will be a challenge. I enjoy pushing myself. It’ll be an adventure, because it’s a new experience for me. As corny as it sounds, I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life at HFC.”

MAT² leads to a satisfying career

MAT² provides students with a direct, paid educational path to a satisfying career. In the 3-year program, MAT² students can pursue a 3+1 articulation agreement with 4-year educational institutions.

MAT² students work for their employer year-round and progressively spend more time with their employer as they get further along in the program and add to their skills.

The MAT² program also allows sponsoring companies to ensure qualified talent for the future.

Students and companies interested in MAT2 can find out more about the application process at Pure Michigan Talent Connect or by contacting MAT² Project Manager Ledgra Johnson at 313-317-6616 or lmjohnson14@hfcc.edu.