Apprenticeships: A National Industry Standard Through Collaboration

  • Date: November 17, 2017
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

Today is our last National Apprenticeship Week post but our efforts to build and sustain successful apprenticeship programs continue 365.

Fortunately, an experienced network of experts supports these ongoing efforts. The “team” includes manufacturers, educators, individuals, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), unions, workforce agencies, and community-based organizations. Read More.

Apprenticeships Build Culture

  • Date: November 16, 2017
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

The beauty of apprenticeships is that employees get paid while training for skilled positions that will launch them on a promising and lucrative career path. Instead of racking up debt like many students pursuing two-year and four-year college degrees, apprentices earn money while they learn. As we all know, a debt-free education is a huge asset.

Another bonus is that in a Registered Apprenticeship program, certified by the Department of Labor, apprentices receive steady wage increases with proficiency so they are regularly rewarded for their hard work and advancement. Some companies also offer bonuses and other perks along the way. Read More.

Changing Lives: West Va. Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program

  • Date: November 15, 2017
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

Today we want to tell you about two dynamic women who had the courage to change their lives by entering the West Virginia Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Frustrated with the erratic hours and non-guaranteed pay structure of her restaurant industry job, Fran Barker, 37, decided to make a change. When the West Virginia Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program popped up on an employment search website, Fran thought, “I need this. I can do this!” Read More.

Building a Workforce Pipeline Through Apprenticeship

  • Date: November 14, 2017
  • Posted by:Tim Walker

Today we are pleased to welcome Tim Walker, Training & Development Specialist from Pequot Tool & Manufacturing, a precision machining and fabrication contract manufacturer that is tackling its workforce challenges through apprenticeships.

In a remote area, about three hours north of Minneapolis, sits a small town of 448 and a manufacturer called Pequot Tool & Manufacturing (PTM). PTM offers precision machining and fabrication services, and is a contract manufacturer. We sell expertise. The company was founded in 1981 and has roughly 170 employees. It's a privately held, second-generation, family-owned business, which in itself has some interesting dynamics. Read More.

National Apprenticeship Week is Here!

  • Date: November 13, 2017
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

Starting today, to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 13-19), we will share a series of blog posts that introduce you to companies, individuals and educators that are making a difference through apprenticeship programs. Our blog posts about apprenticeships receive our highest readership so we know you are interested in this effective approach to solving the skills gap. Read More.

Lessons from FABTECH

  • Date: November 10, 2017
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

FABTECH 2017 has come to an end, closing out a year of great manufacturing industry events for SME. Tens of thousands of people converged on McCormick Place in Chicago for the annual event, which showcased the latest products, developments, and solutions in metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing.

Over the years, we’ve all witnessed manufacturing’s ups and downs and certainly the challenges being faced by the industry. But today, we see renewed faith in the sector’s renaissance, and the biggest reason for so much optimism lies with advanced manufacturing technology. Read More.

Why Educators Need to Stay Ahead of the Curve

  • Date: November 02, 2017
  • Posted by:J. Craig McAtee, Executive Director, National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC)

Today, we welcome Craig McAtee, Executive Director, National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), strategic partner and consultant for Tooling U-SME in Workforce and Education Development.

The idea that only manufacturers need to stay current with the emerging trends in advanced technology for their industry is a misnomer. As a pipeline to manufacturers, the workforce education community also must stay ahead of the technical education curve to meet the current and future demands for the next generation of workers along with upskilling the incumbent workforce. Read More.