Employees:Demystifying the Request Process for Access to the MetroSoft System

Do you know how to request training or security for MetroSoft's system? Below are steps for employees to follow to gain access to MetroSoft’s systems.

The main indicator needed for employee system access is that employee’s supervisor needs to complete a form via the MetroSoft Training/Security Request form, available on the Info Exchange under Technology > MetroSoft Training.

Here are the steps:
1. Supervisor completes form.
2. An Organizational Development representative will contact employee regarding arrangements for training and/or any clarification needed.
3. Training materials/instructions will be determined per conversation with Organizational Development representative (or as indicated on the On the Job Training (OJT) Supervisor Sign-Off form).
4. Trainer will be identified.
5. Employee will complete training.
6. IF OJT is done, completed OJT Supervisor Sign-Off form will be turned in to Organizational Development.

After training is complete, access to the system can take up to two working days, so plan ahead to get training complete as needed. If system access takes longer, Contact Computer Services at 604.1133.

I.W.I. signs $55K in contracts with Hallmark on LEaPLab development, training

Hallmark Cards, Inc., 2501 McGee, site of the new LEaPLab.

Last week, the MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation (I.W.I.) signed over $55,000 in contracts with Hallmark Cards, Inc., to assist them in developing their new Learning Exploration and Prototyping or LEaPLab, a fabrication laboratory similar to MCC’s FabLab at the Business & Technology campus.

The LEaPLab will eventually be open to all Hallmark employees to test new product ideas. Like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s FabLab concept, it follows a business model of prototype development rather than a learning model.

The partnership grew out of mutual interest: MCC was serving on an advisory group with Hallmark at the Kauffman Foundation regarding similar fabrication and prototyping laboratories, and eventually, Hallmark proposed that MCC partner with them the project.

Development of the on-site lab at Hallmark Corporate Headquarters began the day after the contracts were signed. Existing space will be renovated at Hallmark at 2501 McGee with a target completion date of August 1. MCC consulting services include design and layout of the lab. Once the lab is operational, I.W.I. will train the first eight classes consisting of over 90 Hallmark employees on how to use the lab’s equipment. I.W.I. will also create the initial training materials, including job aids, videos, and lesson plans.

MCC has a long-standing relationship with Hallmark—before I.W.I., Business & Learning Solutions had been doing business with Hallmark for over twenty years, and looks forward to the opportunities that will arise from this exciting new project. Hallmark has plans already in place to expand the LEaPLab, and as new equipment is installed, additional training will be needed. Hallmark has also expressed interest in creating internships for MCC students.

The partnership that resulted in the design and training contracts were the result of a major group effort. Hallmark staff included Ron Green, Government Resource Programs Manager; and Scott Browning, 3D Interactive/Creative Technology Manager. From MCC, I.W.I. staff included Steve Dowell, FabLab project coordinator; Pat Lees, project manager; John Littleton, performance consultant manager; Stan Fields, business development manager; Mark Murtha, media services; Dr. Kevin Kelley, director of community development; and Margaret Boyd, executive director of I.W.I.

KU participates in simulation training at HSI

The Health Science Institute at MCC-Penn Valley recently participated in an exciting collaborative agreement with the University of Kansas. As part of the agreement, students enrolled in the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesist (CRNA) program participate in simulation training in the Operating Room suite.

These graduate students are registered nurses pursuing a masters program.  They participate in trainings at the HSI twice a week.  The trainings are also an opportunity for the instructor to simulate a variety of situations these students might be faced with in an OR setting. 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives trains at MCC-Blue River

ATF Agents study restraint maneuvers at the Public
Safety Institute on the MCC-Blue River campus

The Public Safety Institute at MCC-Blue River is even more active than usual as agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms conduct training on premises this May. Special Agent Trista Frederick from ATF was on hand to explain how the bureau benefits from the use of the MCC-Blue River facilities.

“ATF is conducting control arrest techniques training, which includes handcuffing techniques and defensive tactics. The training is intended to teach agents how to safely place individuals under arrest and counteract non-compliant or combative subjects,” said Frederick. Later this month, ATF will return to MCC-Blue River to study explosives, with special attention to home-made or improvised explosive devices.

Asked why MCC-Blue River’s Public Safety Institute was a choice location for training, Fredericks said that “MCC-Blue River is a centrally located, convenient, and a high-quality training facility for ATF’s staff in the Kansas City area.” She went on to site possibilities of future ATF use of MCC-Blue River facilities when planned improvements are in place, saying, “ATF is also excited about MCC-Blue River’s

Employee training for New Payment Model

Approximately 200 employees have attended training for MCC's New Payment Model (NPM). If you still need training, there are 3 more chances to attend a session. Registration for these sessions is not required:
• TODAY, March 28 from 2 - 4 p.m., LV CEC Conference Room
• Thursday, March 31 from 2 - 4 p.m., MW CC0102
• Friday, April 8 from 9 - 11 a.m., PVEC006

Information is also available on the InfoExchange under Business Procedures and Payment for Classes.

MCC Launches State-funded Logistics Training

A workforce development grant that Gov. Jay Nixon announced last spring is coming to fruition this week as Metropolitan Community College launches the first of a series of pilot training programs.

The Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) course is part of the governor’s Training for Tomorrow initiative, a program launched in January to educate Missourians for careers in growing industries. In conjunction with Buchanan, Cass and Platte counties, MCC received the first grant awarded as part of the state-wide program, in the amount of $2.22 million.

The CLA course addresses the growing workforce needs of the local and regional transportation and logistics industry.

“This training is essential for our area,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. “The demand for logistics specialists, especially entry-level workers, will continue to grow as Kansas City maintains its position as a major transportation hub.”

A second, more-advanced course in Certified Logistics Technician is slated to be piloted in January. Additional courses in supply chain integration and courses in healthcare, animal health and small business operations are under development. MCC will roll out more than 25 courses over the next two years. These courses are being coordinated by the MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation.

The CLA course is designed to train both incumbent logistics workers who need skills enhancement and entry-level workers new to the industry. Participants enrolled in this week’s pilot course include workers from Smith Electric Vehicles, Pure Fishing, InnovaPrep, and several other Kansas City area manufacturers, as well as individuals from other industries who have recently been laid off.

The pilot, which is being offered at no cost to participants, will be held Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Platte County Resource Center, 11724 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, Mo. 64153.