ESTABLISHED 2026

The AMTC

Consortium

Three independent Jackson County organizations working as one to build the region's manufacturing talent, technology, and companies, from a shared floor at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center.

WHO WE SERVE

Built for our region's manufacturers, workforce, students, and entrepreneurs.

01

Manufacturers

Small and medium manufacturers who need trained people, a look at new technology before they buy it, and training for the workers they already have.

02

Workforce

Adults entering the trades or changing careers. Registered apprenticeships, certificates, and employer training that end in a credential and a paycheck.

03

Students

Middle and high school students getting hands on real equipment, years before anyone asks them to choose a career.

04

Entrepreneurs

Hardware and physical product founders who need a floor to prototype on, design for manufacturability help, and manufacturers close enough to become first customers.

THE ORGANIZATIONS

The partners and programs behind the collabration.

YOUTH STEM

Igniting interest in manufacturing careers among youth since 2004. Co-creator of the AMTC and fiduciary of the space.

Shop Rat Education Programs

Grades 3-10

Dream Makers Robotics Program, eight weeks inside the school day
Hands-on classes in robotics, machining, welding, engineering, computer science, and building trades
Seasonal camps and community programming
On the Job 360, a virtual manufacturing career exploration app
Curriculum partnerships with area schools and homeschool organizations

Current programs and registrations

WORKFORCE AND APPRENTICESHIP

The region's manufacturers association since 1937, and its advocate in Lansing and Washington. Co-creator and co-operator of the AMTC.

Academy for Manufacturing Careers

Grades 11, adults, and incumbent worforce

U.S. Department of Labor certified apprenticeships
Short-term technical certificates
Customized skilled-trades training for employers
Manufacturing skills assessments
Articulated college credit transfer

Trainings and apprenticeships

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY

Nonprofit accelerator for startups and small businesses, and the entrepreneurial support organization of the consortium.

ManuTech Incubator + Demo Center

Founders and manufacturers

Prototyping and design for manufacturability on the AMTC floor
Shop floor access: CNC, welding, machining, and warehouse space
Incubation space, cowroking desks, and conference rooms
Coaching and mentorship against technology, manufacturing, and commercial readiness milestones
Technology scouting and vetting for Michigan manufacturers
Demo style events for manufacturing technology

ManuTech Incubator

THE BUILDING

26,000 square feet of working shop floor, classrooms, and bench space.

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center put youth programming, credentialed adult training, and hardware product development under one roof for the first time in Jackson County. It is a working floor, not a classroom with posters on the wall.

CAPABILITIES

Machining and fabrication

Welding lab
Manual machining lab
CNC machines
Metrology Equipment

Warehouse and logistics

Warehouse racking
Dock door
Forklift

Prototyping

CAD workstation
Multi-material 3D printing
Circuit board and soldering station

Classrooms and workspace

Classrooms
Computer lab
Co-working space

SPACE SPONSORS

The AMTC was built with support from across the region.

LEADERSHIP

The steering committee.

Olivia Steele

President, Jackson Area Manufacturers Association

Brings the manufacturer base and the credentialed adult pathway: apprenticeships, certificates, employer training, and advocacy for the county's shops.