Northern Michigan News: Northwestern Michigan College's Board of Trustees has approved training agreements with five local companies that will lead to 62 new jobs in the region by 2016.

Under the terms of Michigan's New Jobs Training Program, NMC will provide training and professional development to the new employees at the following companies. The jobs must pay above $12.95 per hour.

Armor Express, Central Lake – six new jobs

Century Extrusion, Traverse City – five new jobs

Moran Iron Works, Inc.. Onaway – eight new jobs

Precision Edge Surgical Products LLC, Boyne City – 18 new jobs

Shoreline Fruit LLC, Traverse City – 25 new jobs

In 2008, the Michigan Legislature passed the New Jobs Training Program to provide funding for organizations to pay for staff development in new positions. The companies pay for the training and are reimbursed over time as payroll tax dollars are diverted.

NMC currently has two other New Jobs Training Program agreements in place. Electro-Optics Technology of Traverse City has made 19 new hires, completing 94 percent of its training. Century Inc. of Traverse City has made 29 hires and completed 22 percent of its training.

NMC’s Training Services division offers customized training opportunities including leadership and team building, lean, advanced manufacturing and more.