In Fall 2023, Middlesex Community College partnered with The Haartz Corporation in Acton on a Workforce Training Fund Program. Run through MCC’s Corporate and Community Education and Training department, the college collaborated with Haartz to write, submit and secure the grant, as well as to offer employee trainings.
“MCC has significantly simplified the use of the Workforce Training Fund grant through its expert guidance and ongoing support,” said Alysse Taylor, Human Resources Manager of The Haartz Corporation. “Their team helped us establish clear, measurable goals and develop customized training content that was both relevant and engaging for our employees. MCC’s timely and transparent billing practices made the reporting process straightforward and efficient, ensuring we were able to request and receive our full grant disbursements without delay.”
“The Workforce Training Fund grant process with Haartz Corporation went very smoothly from start to finish,” said Lisa Tuzzolo, MCC’s Senior Director of Corporate Education and Training. “Our instructor delivered them customized training incorporating Haartz’s feedback, design and needs. Many of the employees really enjoyed the training. Due to the positive response, there are already plans to run another class outside of the grant.”
With locations around the world, The Haartz Corporation is the world’s number one supplier of automotive topping fabrics, with a wide range of constructions and designs. Headquartered in Acton, the 100-year-old, family-owned manufacturing company is also a leading producer and innovator of interior trim materials.
During their research on applying for a training grant, Haartz wanted a partner to connect them with skilled, professional training providers to develop a customized program for their employees. Haartz was drawn to MCC for the college’s “robust” corporate education programs, according to Taylor.
“This – combined with MCC’s long-standing reputation as a knowledgeable and reputable training institution – made them the clear choice as our partner,” Taylor said. “I sincerely appreciate all the incredible support and partnership MCC has provided over the past two plus years while Haartz has been navigating our training grant.”
Taught on-site at Haartz, Middlesex started running the training classes in February 2024. Designed for frontline managers – as well as those who act in informal leadership roles – the trainings featured two targeted courses, including Management and Supervisory Skills for Today’s Workforce and Leadership Skills.
Topics of the management course included effective communication, motivation, delegation, performance evaluation, time management, resources, team building, conflict resolution, difficult conversations, and working with various personality types. The leadership course taught how to develop skills, influence teams, drive success, problem-solve, as well as show active listening, emotional intelligence, and the importance of influence.
Instructor of the trainings Jeff Davis also discussed mental health issues and loneliness at work.
“Together, we tailored the trainings to the times we’re in,” Davis said. “Employees go into leadership roles with more confidence. They’ve been given the emotional intelligence skills, so when they’re given authority, they don’t abuse their power. Haartz and Alysse managed the logistics and technology well, and the MCC Corporate Education and Training division are great administrators. They establish a trusting relationship right up front.”