CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Macomb Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) is no longer waiting for openings to hire staffers. The credit union has recently hired six new credit union associates- capping off the second group to be trained in the new "Hire Ahead" program. Formulated from a program developed by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, "Hire Ahead" is designed to hire staff before there is an immediate need. New employees are trained in several different positions, including Member Service Representative, Call Center Agent and Teller. Once product and service training is complete, associates then rotate through each department in one month increments to facilitate on-the-job training and learning. One credit union staff member is assigned as a mentor in each department, to foster relationship building within that area, as well as serve as an "expert" for any questions or problems the associate may have. "We began this program as a way to encourage internal growth and promotions," said MSGCU President/CEO Peter Gates. "We feel that by training associates in three different areas of our operations, it will assist us in placing qualified candidates when and where they are needed most."