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Background and Description
Pre-apprenticeships are programs that teach basic technical and job readiness skills in preparation to enter the workforce via a Registered Apprenticeship program or directly into a position. A pre-apprenticeship program can be designed in many ways. The NTMA is uniquely positioned to offer a pre-apprenticeship program due our members’ industry expertise, experience with apprenticeship programs, and our partnerships with Chapters, schools, and other relevant community organizations around the country.
We know that the best pre-apprenticeship programs include close collaboration between schools and a company/sponsor, ideally one that has an appropriate Registered Apprenticeship program – although that is not a requirement. Many pre-apprenticeship programs enable students to earn credit toward the completion requirements for a Registration Apprenticeship program, and the NTMA program is no exception.
Scope
The NTMA Pre-apprenticeship program combines four of our in-depth online training courses via NTMA-U with relevant reading material, hands-on exercises, and either the physical parts or the blueprints to make the physical parts for the hands-on exercises.
We realize that schools have different resources available, so we designed this program to be effective with only the textbook, a computer / tablet / mobile device, something to write with, and space to lay out the physical parts for the exercises.
This program was developed in collaboration with one of our members, Penn United Technologies, Inc. (Penn United) and their Training Coordinator, Scott Covert. Penn United has an on-site training facility, and has worked with local schools, manufacturing consortiums, the veteran community, and organizations that support uniquely abled individuals for many years.
Description
This program is intended to develop and/or upgrade individuals’ skills, to aid them in gaining or continuing employment, earning a promotion and/or learning new job skills.
This pre-apprenticeship program will help the students acquire and/or enhance the industry skills that are necessary for safely and successfully completing a variety of entry level manufacturing jobs in today’s fast-paced and competitive economy.
Specifically, this program covers the following:
- Basic blueprint reading
- Basic shop math
- Manual and electronic measuring instruments
- Quality processes and procedures
- Basic shop equipment operation
- Manufacturing processes
Benefits
The NTMA Pre-apprenticeship program has wide-ranging benefits and impact.
Benefits to Students:
A pre-apprenticeship program gives students an opportunity to learn skills necessary for a real world job and learn foundational aspects of a trade. Students benefit from pre-apprenticeship by learning skills and behaviors that will lead to success as an apprentice, or in other educational programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs can also increase the choices for students upon successful completion. For example, students may receive advanced placement in a registered apprenticeship, college degree program, or other training program.
Benefits to Schools
This pre-apprenticeship program is one cohesive package, with everything needed for successful deployment. The NTMA has nearly 1,300 member companies, and 30+ Chapters around the country that are constantly looking to attract and retain top talent. This program is an ideal opportunity to affordably educate students in skills necessary for today’s modern manufacturing environments, Apprenticeships increase practical hands-on learning options offered to students. They can provide a way for a student to learn skills in an area not offered currently in the school or in any other formal training program. Often, an apprenticeship will help a school meet a student’s learning style and career needs. A successful apprenticeship will also create good working relationships with the businesses in a school’s area.
Benefits to Employers
Apprenticeships help businesses train future workers when it is hard to find skilled workers, especially in areas where no training or educational programs in that career area.
Visit here for an in depth webinar on the program.
For questions or to get started, contact Jenny Stupica at Jstupica@ntma.org