MaJIC.

• Author: Gregorini, Laura
• Position: TOP 5 BEST PLACES TO WORK - Materials Joining Innovation Centre

The Materials Joining Innovation Centre, or MaJIC, in Kirkland Lake is a non-profit organization conceived out of Northern College's School of Welding Engineering Program with a mandate to develop expertise and solve industry's joining materials problems.

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Officials from the school program that focuses on the science, engineering and technology behind welding developed the concept for the organization in 2001. Since then MaJIC has secured both government and private funding to allow its staff of eight to utilize the latest technology, welding and laboratory equipment to meet the challenges of small to medium businesses.

To date, MaJIC has done research and development, conducted failure analysis, materials testing, quality inspection and training with industry across Northern Ontario and with companies like Makami Engineering Group in Sudbury and Wabi Iron and Steel Corp. in New Liskeard.

Technology is ever evolving which means opportunities will only multiple in the years to come. While maintaining a philosophy aimed to help industry succeed, MaJIC intends to reach out to companies across Canada and the globe.

Flexible working hours/health benefits

Standard work hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but MaJIC offers its employees flexible working hours, recognizing family and other personal commitments in their lives.

"We have a flexible schedule, because we make up for the time later," said office manager Jennifer Poison. "So if an employee has to leave early to pick up their child, that's OK with us."

MaJIC also offers employees full health benefits.

Community involvement

MaJIC encourages its employees to give back to the community by offering company time and equipment for volunteer projects.

"MaJIC will sometimes donate time or equipment for projects, and employees are often allowed to use equipment outside of business hours for community projects," said Polson.

Training, certification, college and university courses

MaJIC provides funding for employees to further their education and training whether it be certification or post-secondary courses.

"We always try to budget for professional development," said Polson. "Encouraging staff to build their expertise and qualifications benefits not only the employees themselves but MaJIC too. Part of our mandate is to educate industry, so we need to be ahead of the game."

Mentorship program

MaJIC senior staff members are encouraged to share their expertise within the organization's...