Learning to Benefit From Apprenticeship Programs
Mark Beilman, Director of Education & Training, and Barb Cates, HR Administrator, recently attended “Building Your Talent Pipeline Through Apprenticeship” at Blackhawk Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Milton, Wisconsin. The event included a presentation from Cindy Anderson & Tracy Jallah from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.
The event was a great way for companies to learn how they can benefit from the WI Apprenticeship Model to further develop their talent pipeline. It was hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, and Blackhawk Technical College.
Education and training is a top priority for Precision Plus, and we are always looking for opportunities to strengthen the workforce of the next generation. We value the partnerships and relationships we’ve built with area educational institutions and workforce organizations. Educating companies, students, and communities on the importance of apprenticeship programs is more crucial than ever, as we continue to work on closing the skills gap in advanced manufacturing. Many companies eliminated these programs during the recession, and events like these help to restore them.
DWD is a state agency charged with “building and strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce in the 21st century and beyond.” DWD provides job services, training and employment assistance to people looking for work, including apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships. At the same time, it works with employers to fill current job openings. There are also a wide variety of employment programs through DWD that help secure jobs for people with disabilities, link youth with jobs of tomorrow, as well as help our veterans with job placement and training. To learn more about these services, you can visit dwd.wisconsin.gov.
Apprenticeship and internship programs allow companies to lessen the unsuccessful searches for ideal job candidates because they are such an effective way to produce knowledgeable and skilled workers. In turn, the apprentices receive a valuable, hands-on education that goes beyond the walls of a classroom. Through the years, companies that think long-term and invest in apprenticeship programs are pleased with the return on investment they see with successful and productive employees.
