Finding talent and filling open positions can be challenging when the labor market is tight. Sometimes the normal recruiting channels do not produce enough applicants, or the right applicants. In the spring of 2022, like many employers, OSG USA, Inc. was finding it challenging to meet their hiring goals, so they decided to try a new approach to recruiting and partnered with Project Hire-Ed at the College of DuPage to explore apprenticeship as a means of filling their open positions.

Working with Project Hire-Ed at the College of DuPage provided “access to people wanting to invest in their careers that we can partner with,” said Dan Luna, HR Business Partner at OSG. Luna emphasized the importance of investing in employees and providing training and educational opportunities when needed. “We offer growth opportunities and career progression. And having [an employee] be able to go through our internal training plus the additional training coursework at COD is a benefit to having an apprentice.”

OSG currently employs a College of DuPage student apprentice as a Machine Operator (CNC). In the nine months he has been employed at OSG, the apprentice has already been promoted once and is already working to develop skills that will help him continue on the growth path OSG has set out. “[OSG] is dedicated to training and learning new things, and as an employee, you’re rewarded for learning. They start teaching the next level within your current level, which can make you more effective and demonstrate to them your capabilities to advance.” 

Luna advises other employers to consider an apprenticeship as a way to increase their talent pool. “Project Hire-Ed is a great program and is a partner of choice, which is why we enjoy working with them.”