Where Has All of the Training Gone?
Many manufacturers, such as such as Connecticut Spring & Stamping, are being forced to replace formerly state-funded training with their own tailored programs to help attract and retain skilled employees. But they still want the states to provide these educational services so they can focus on what they do best. Which way to go?
Posted: July 9, 2013
“When a skilled employee works with an apprentice and the person is having a problem with blueprint reading or shop math, we send them to a class, or even bring the training in house,” said Bellemare.
A diverse group of eleven people are currently enrolled in the program, including five minorities and two women. Trainees are basically working through the program eight hours a day, five days a week. As they become more advanced in the trade, CSS will promote more employees into the program. Since the program began less than a year ago, there are no graduates yet, but the first crop is well on its way.
For example, 23-year-old tool maker Alex Pabon has been working at CSS for five years and credits the program for opening doors to him that would not have been otherwise. “It has helped me understand better how things are made and how important it is to make it right the first time.” He adds, “The trainers are easy to talk to and if you have any questions they go out of their way to make sure you understand. They are taking me under their wing and making sure I get the training needed to become a good tool maker.”
Brian Mills, a 24-year-old auto power press set up apprentice, says the program has given him a goal he can shoot for every day and makes the job a lot more interesting. “When I first started here as an operator and watched the setup people at work, it looked hard and very confusing, so when I heard about the apprenticeship program I was a little nervous and skeptical about joining. But once I did, it was a smooth ride and not as hard as I thought. Once I’m done, I want to keep moving forward and make a good career for myself. I would not have had the opportunity if it wasn’t for the apprenticeship program at CSS.”
According to CSS, the cost of the program is fairly low, but they are definitely losing some efficiency. They estimate that there is about a 20-30 percent weekly efficiency loss associated with having the skilled employee training the apprentice. To fund the program, CSS has taken full advantage of available grants, including the Connecticut Department of Labor’s 21st Century Skills Training Program and the Advance Training Grant Program.
While the CSS program is clearly a success, the company still would prefer to focus solely on manufacturing. They created the program to fill a void, and it means they will be able to promote from within their own ranks, but CSS would prefer not to take the place of educational institutions.
They note a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as a few technical institutions and local community colleges have recently been putting out feelers concerning potential training programs and internships, possibly in response to requests from other manufacturers.
Connecticut Spring & Stamping, 48 Spring Lane Farmington, CT 06034, 860-677-1341, www.ctspring.com.
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