A recent CNBC survey revealed a striking statistic: 84% of employees crave training opportunities, yet employee education programs are often the first to be cut by C-suite executives.
This priority gap is particularly pronounced in the precision machining industry, where the shortage of skilled labor should inspire shops to provide learning and development (L&D) opportunities to their existing employees—yet few do.
Why Develop Your Shop’s Existing Employees?
Workforce development doesn’t stop with training new manufacturing employees.By nurturing existing employees, shops invite new capabilities, drive enhanced quality, and offer a path from frontline employment to machine shop management.
Shop owners who neglect internal workforce development do so to their own detriment. Employees who are denied reskilling and upskilling opportunities are more likely to seek employment elsewhere—a serious concern when skilled labor is in short supply.
A 2021 Pew Research Study revealed that 63% of participants left their last jobs precisely because they lacked development opportunities—an issue that trumped concerns about pay, benefits, and even workplace flexibility.
Manufacturers Need a New Approach to Workforce L&D
When you were learning how to run a machine shop, your education—formal or informal—likely overlooked the value of workforce development or how to implement effective L&D programs. At NTMA, we understand the importance of L&D for helping manufacturers attract new talent, retain existing team members, and improve manufacturing processes throughout their shops. NTMA’s workforce development programs leverage a diverse selection of proven approaches.
Our various training cohorts target emerging leaders, salespeople, and shop owners, reaching beyond traditional learning to leverage the power of peer-to-peer interactions and enhance the overall educational experience. NTMA’s holistic approach promotes technical skills and leadership qualities, emphasizing communication, conflict resolution, and efficiency protocols. We also promote real-world training environments that encourage immediate workplace improvements, from practical manufacturing techniques to machine shop management skills.
NTMA Members Gain Immediate Access to L&D Programs
We partnered with industry experts to develop NTMA-U, an online L&D program focused on building an empowered workforce with skills that boost shops’ bottom lines. NTMA-U equips shops with curriculums for machinist apprenticeships and incumbent worker training. NTMA-U’s features offer these advantages:
- Online machinist training through a comprehensive, online apprenticeship program
- Department of Labor certification for those seeking a Journeyman’s card
- Flexible courses that are suitable for different experience levels and roles
- NTMA member discounts that significantly reduce training costs
- Transferrable credits that count toward college degrees
- Duration options ranging from four-year courses to short-term programs
- Hybrid learning that combines classroom hours with on-the-job training
Access NTMA-U courses through the national association, or connect with your local NTMA Chapter to discover members-only discounts and explore our regional training centers.
Pre-apprenticeship solutions
NTMA-U’s foundational pre-apprenticeship program prepares students for entry into the manufacturing workforce. Developed in collaboration with the industry experts at Penn United Technologies, Inc., our pre-apprenticeship program combines online training with relevant reading material and hands-on exercises.
Graduates of NTMA’s pre-apprenticeship program gain holistic experience in these key areas:
- Basic blueprint reading
- Basic shop math
- Manual and electronic measuring instruments
- Quality processes and procedures
- Basic shop equipment operation
- Manufacturing processes
NTMA Leads the Way in Workforce Development Initiatives
At the rate today’s manufacturing industry is evolving, machine shop management teams must prioritize L&D programs as part of their long-term growth strategies.
NTMA is committed to leading the way in workforce development, offering programs that not only build technical skills but also foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Our training initiatives equip current and future workers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the precision machining industry.
Along with NTMA-U, we provide NTMA members with discounted access to the industry’s top L&D solutions, like these:
NTMA is also the proud founder of the youth-focused National Robotics League, and we assist our association members with obtaining critical training funds.
L&D Is an Investment in Your Future
The future of manufacturing relies on well-trained employees. When you leverage NTMA’s training programs, you invest in not only your employees but also the future of your business and the manufacturing industry as a whole.
Join NTMA and help build the manufacturing workforce of the future!
