JJC and Wesco Machine & Tool, Inc. Partner With Registered Apprenticeship Program
Creation Date: 03/11/2020
Joliet Junior College and Wesco Machine & Tool, Inc. are partnering to bridge the skills gap in Chicago’s southwest suburbs. JJC is the program sponsor of a Registered Apprenticeship program through the United States Department of Labor (U.S. DOL). Wesco Machine & Tool, Inc. represents the advanced manufacturing sector with a machinist as their U.S. DOL industry-recognized occupation.
One of the benefits for employers in this Education/Industry partnership is gaining access to a talented pool of applicants that also have an interest in the skilled trades. Joel Niekamp, president of the Shorewood, Ill. company, explained that he searched for six months to find a candidate that was a match for his machinist position. Niekamp said, “Having access to a pool of individuals actively interested in and taking classes focused on the machining trade was a noticeable benefit to us.”
After completing the interview process, Wesco Machine & Tool, Inc. hired JJC student Andrew Schroeder as their very first apprentice. Through the apprenticeship model, Andrew will essentially be able to earn while he learns. As part of the apprenticeship program, Andrew is taking manufacturing courses at JJC for the related training instruction and working at Wesco Machine & Tool, Inc. to gain experience through on-the-job learning.
Niekamp also explains that it’s very beneficial if an individual already has some fundamental knowledge in manufacturing when they’re brought on board. He said, “JJC also assists us greatly in providing the foundational courses needed for an individual to become a machinist – Intro to Machining, GD&T, Metallurgy and CAD/CAM.”
Niekamp added, “Shop time is of great value to us, so the more knowledge an individual can pick up outside the shop, the more time we can spend with them on real-world application.”
Paul Cave, associate professor in JJC’s technical department, explains how an apprenticeship program provides two-fold benefits to students and has an important role in their success. Cave said, “This apprenticeship opportunity is a great chance for a student to learn about the craft in class and immediately apply those skills in the field.”
The employment opportunities in manufacturing are definitely available. According to an article published on cnbc.com, “The National Association of Manufacturers said a record 522,000 jobs remained open in the sector in September (2019).”**
Amy Murphy, dean of applied arts, workforce education & training at JJC, said, “We are very excited for the partnership with Wesco Machine & Tool, Inc. in our Registered Apprenticeship program because it’s another opportunity to provide a viable workforce solution that enhances our local economy.”
Murphy added, “There is such a high demand for skilled workers in the trades, especially in the advanced manufacturing sector, so we are taking a proactive approach when it comes to designing and implementing programs that align the workforce needs of employers and students in our communities.”
JJC has a three-year apprenticeship grant through the American Association of Community Colleges/Expanding Community College Apprenticeships initiative to assist the local workforce by growing the number of registered apprenticeships through the United States Department of Labor. JJC is the sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program through the U.S. DOL with industry-approved occupations representing industry sectors in manufacturing, culinary arts/hospitality, landscaping, transportation, and healthcare.
To find out how your company can partner with JJC’s Registered Apprenticeship program, visit www.trainingupdate.org/apprenticeship or call (815) 280-6743.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, the accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
**Cited source: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/04/manufacturing-sector-is-facing-a-growing-skills-gap.html