MassMEP Director of Operations, Jack Healy, Receives 2008 NIST MEP Innovator of the Year Award
Healy Recognized for Successful M.O.S.T. Program, Which Provides On-the-Job Training for Potential Workers, Students in Massachusetts
Jack Healy is committed to helping manufacturers across Massachusetts meet a critical challenge. Faced with a significant shortage of trained CNC machine operators in the state, Healy, the Director of Operations for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) developed a program to fill hundreds of those vacant positions using the M.O.S.T. (Mobile Outreach Skills Training) program and MTU (Mobile Training Unit). Because of the success of this program, Jack Healy is now being recognized for his leadership and service in the manufacturing sector with the 2008 National Institute of Standards and Technology MEP Innovator of the Year Award presented at the NIST MEP National Conference in Orlando, Florida.
"Jack Healy has always been a passionate advocate for manufacturers and is constantly looking for ways to improve the state of manufacturing in Massachusetts. With his help, manufacturers are able to fill dozens of high-demand positions and many students are looking to machine shops with renewed interest," said Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray. "Jack is most deserving of this award for his outstanding contributions and commitment to manufacturing in Massachusetts and beyond."
The M.O.S.T. program is delivered in two phases. In Phase One, trainees participate in an intensive 8-hour basic operator skills training process in the MTU, which can be set up in many areas of the state and even brought to a manufacturer’s doorstep. In Phase Two, trainees participate in a 60 day on-the-job training process, which results in full-time employment. The M.O.S.T. program not only helps would-be workers; it has also been used to provide vocational orientation for more than 1,000 students in Massachusetts to engage youth in the manufacturing sector.
"The results of the M.O.S.T. initiative are numerous. Formerly, fewer and fewer technical vocational schools in Massachusetts were offering machining curriculum, but now these schools are beginning to offer classes again, after receiving enthusiasm from students who want to become involved in manufacturing," added Murray. "When these students complete their education, they will be able to fill job vacancies and keep manufacturing alive and prosperous in the Commonwealth."
The 2008 NIST MEP National Conference is an annual professional development opportunity open to the entire MEP system, with a goal to provide a platform for MEP to explore business issues, public policies, and technologies that impact their success in today’s connected global economy. The Innovator of the Year Award recognizes a MEP Center individual or group who has developed modern practices to help renovate America’s industrial base and/or to further the MEP system. For more information.
About MassMEP The MassMEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the US Department of Commerce. The national MEP system is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2,000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits, and enhanced global competitiveness. For more information, please visit www.massmep.org, or phone 1-800-MEP-4MFG.
