For Immediate Release
Lake Land College and Mars Petcare Offer Fast-Track Training
Lake Land College and Mars Petcare are excited to offer a unique, eight-week fast track Manufacturing Skills Certificate Program.
Individuals who are selected to complete the no-cost training will receive a Lake Land College certificate and be hired by Mars Petcare’s Mattoon manufacturing plant as a warehouse or packaging operator. Mars Petcare provides a starting hourly wage of $17 and immediate full benefits including health, dental, vision, vacation time and retirement programs. In addition, all associates who join Mars Petcare will have the opportunity to participate in additional company-led training.
Interested applicants must attend an informational meeting on Sept. 4 at the Lake Land College Workforce Development Center to learn more details of the training program and application process. All applications will complete a screening process, and applicants will be interviewed before starting the program. Applicants will be required to complete a drug screening and a criminal background check as conditions for hiring. In addition, applicants will be provided with information about financial aid and funding sources available to cover the cost of Lake Land College tuition and fees.
This program is eligible for the Lake Land College Guaranteed Financial Assistance Program. Students are required to first apply for both state and federal financial assistance. Should those sources not cover the cost, Lake Land College will waive any tuition and fees that remain. Tuition and Fees for this program are estimated at $2,300 per student.
Classes begin Oct. 14 and will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave. East.
“Lake Land College is pleased to work with local businesses to create a responsive, customized training program to meet the organization’s need for a skilled workforce,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “By working with companies such as Mars Petcare, we create partnerships that strengthen our regional workforce and communities.”
Located in Mattoon, the plant is the largest dry manufacturing site in the company’s North American Petcare business. The site produces several iconic pet food and treat brands including PEDIGREE®, DENTASTIX™, TEMPTATIONS™, and CESAR® Dry, among others. Products manufactured in Mattoon are distributed nationwide.
Mars Petcare is committed to supporting job growth in the local Mattoon community. The site employs nearly 200 associates from the area and receives 90% of its raw materials from partners within 150 miles of the city. Over the last 10 years, Mars has invested more than $90 million in the facility, including an expansion in 2013, adding 65,000 feet of manufacturing space as well as nearly 50 jobs.
For more information visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/career-fast-track/ or contact Bonnie Moore, director to center for business and industry, at 217-238-8260.
