Program helps workers, employers get extra training
It’s not uncommon for workers to feel like they want to make job change or move up in a company but finding the appropriate job training can be difficult.
In Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP organization is trying to help workers and businesses with the transition process through the Industrial Manufacturing Technicians (IMT) apprenticeship.
The program started in 2013 and the average length of the apprenticeship from start to finish is roughly 18 months. Skilled workers can apply in advance to receive credit for prior learning which can shorten the time in the program.
The businesses involved with the IMT apprenticeship have found its more efficient to find and train the talent they already have in-house for the positions they need and having the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership develop the program can make the transition more effective.
“The IMT apprenticeship is a unique and innovative model that dually expands equity in manufacturing and meets the needs of employers by addressing skills gaps, tackling rapid technological change and cultivating a highly skilled and diverse workforce that leads to a strong and vibrant middle class," Lindsay Blumer, CEO and President, WRTP/BIG STEP.
"The collaboration among employers, employees and WRTP/BIG STEP is the fuel that powers the IMT and the framework that has proven to be a scalable model for the future of work.”
Rhandi Berth, chief innovations officer, WRTP/BIG STEP, answered some questions on how workers and employers are benefiting from the apprenticeship program.
What are the types of skills apprentices learn while going through the program?
They receive on the job learning at the worksite customized to each employer and related instruction in math, workplace communication, safety, quality, production process’s and maintenance awareness.
Why are those skills important? These are all skills that apply uniformly across multiple manufacturing disciplines.
What do potential applicants need to know before applying to the program?
Applicants need to know what is required such as a high school diploma or equivalent, dedicated time to study the curriculum and a commitment to attend all related instruction and ask questions during the on the job learning portion.
How has the program served under-represented communities?
This program is targeted to production workers and allows an apprentice to gain the confidence needed to advance into higher skilled trade occupations, and in many cases, obtain advance standing and shorten the length of time in a typical 3 or 4 year industrial apprenticeship.
And what else could be done to attract more applicants?
Understanding that the career advancement opportunities, and that the manufacturing industry does have good jobs with good wages and benefits.
Does the program pay the participants while they are training?
Yes, apprentices are paid while in training.
How much?
Whatever their hourly wage at employer they are employed with.
What businesses are currently involved with the IMT apprenticeship?
We have dozens of employers that have found the IMT apprenticeship a perfect fit to develop qualified workers on their specific needs, while maximizing the basic core curriculum that fits all manufacturing work.
What can a business do to become involved in the program?
Contact One of WRTP/BIG STEP Industry staff.
How did the pandemic impact the apprenticeship?
The pandemic completely stopped the program for some time, and is still having some residual effects.
What adjustment had to be made (or are still in place)?
The biggest adjustment was moving most of the related instruction to virtual delivery system which also allowed more class cohorts made up of smaller employers without a geographical boundary.