Hire Ahead Program Fills Staffing Needs In Advance

Macomb Schools and Government Credit Union, Clinton Township, Mich., hired six new employees as part of its "hire ahead" program.

Formulated from a program developed by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, East Lansing, the hire ahead program is designed to hire staff before there’s an immediate need. The new employees are trained in several different positions, including member service representative, call center agent, and teller. Once they complete product and service training, associates rotate through each department in one-month increments to facilitate on-the-job training and learning.

One staff member in each department is assigned as a mentor to foster relationship building and serve as an expert for questions or problems the associate may have. "We began this program as a way to encourage internal growth and promotions," notes Peter Gates, the credit union’s president/CEO. "By training associates in three areas of our operations, it will assist us in placing qualified candidates when and where they're needed most. We've been very pleased with the initial results."

The hire ahead program began in January 2004 with six associates. The second group began training May 2, 2004. The program should continue through the rest of the year. Once associates complete the initial four-week training, they’ll be placed where there’s an immediate need.

For information, call 586-263-8800, ext. 824.