PMA Building Off-the-Shelf Apprenticeship Programs
March 20, 2024Comments
To address critical metal forming-industry workforce needs, the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) has been busy developing apprenticeship-program content. Specifically, the association is creating generalized Press Operator and Toolmaker & Die Setter competency-based apprenticeship programs for metal formers looking to build such programs, according to Connie King, PMA workforce development director.
The content, to be available by summer 2024, involves PMA staff working with subject-matter experts (SMEs) from across the metal forming industry to develop related training instructions (RTIs) that will be folded into the base programs.
“PMA and experts from member companies are outlining, through RTIs, program content, including 144 hr. of online training,” King explains. “Then we will provide guidelines on how best to perform on-the-job training.”
PMA-member SMEs on the apprenticeship task force include representatives from North American Stamping Group, PTM Corp. and Automation Tool & Die, working with King, PMA development technical training manager Scott Rieg, and Mary Pramik, PMA workforce development manager.
Big Advantages for DoL-Approved Apprenticeships
Upon completing the apprenticeship content, PMA will funnel it through organizations such as the Virginia Manufacturers Association, Jobs for the Future, and Manhattan Strategy Group, to obtain approval by the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL). The advantage for companies working off of PMA’s DoL-approved apprenticeship templates?
“The work is done for them,” King says. “We create a standardized process where member companies can change as much as 20% of the content to meet their specific needs without requiring an extensive DoL reapproval process, and, PMA works closely with the National Institute of Metalworking Skills to help build out the base apprenticeships for specific PMA-member companies—another exceptional benefit.”
Employers that hire apprentices frequently see improved productivity and profitability, according to officials from DoL and the National Institute of Standards and Testing. In general, they note, the typical employer experiences a 44% ROI on registered apprenticeship programs, and within manufacturing, employers experience 91% employee retention after apprenticeship completion, and receive an average of $1.47 back per dollar invested from increased productivity. Also, 87% of apprentices become employed after completing their programs, with an average starting wage above $50,000. And, they’ll earn $300,000 more during their careers.
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