Career Pathways
Growing a Skilled Workforce
The importance of a skilled and educated workforce is critical for our community’s future growth. In 2013, the Hastings Area Manufacturers Association (HAMA) partnered with Central Community College and Hastings Public Schools to form the Manufacturing Pathway Advisory Team (MPAT). MPAT was created to build relationships (pathways) between manufacturing students, parents, educators and area manufacturers.
MPAT has worked to secure grants and funding for local schools to acquire equipment to start advanced manufacturing training at all levels. This group has developed scholarship programs and raised manufacturing awareness throughout this area with tours and career fairs. MPAT supports other programs like Mentoring Works and SkillsUSA.
Additionally, Hastings High School's Advanced Manufacturing course replicates the first semester of Central Community College's (CCC) Advanced Manufacturing program at the Hastings Campus. Students receive 12 credits toward this program during their senior year, allowing them to enter CCC a semester ahead of their peers. Students are better prepared for post-secondary education and better trained to more readily enter the workforce.
