GF Machining Solutions Launches New Apprenticeship Program for High School Students

GF Machining Solutions LLC (Lincolnshire, IL) launched their “learn and earn” apprenticeship program with the signing of the first official candidate during their Solutions Days manufacturing event, a two-day open house event that took place at their Lincolnshire headquarters and included live equipment demonstrations and technical presentations.

The program, scheduled to begin this fall, offers paths for application engineers and field-services engineers and will accept up to five participants in its inaugural year. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, these application engineers will help analyze machine performance and provide technical support, while field-service engineers will assist in coordinating activities that relate to the installation and repair of machines and other manufacturing equipment.

During a presentation outlining the program, company marketing specialist Jon Carlson stated that they plan to choose apprentices from local area high schools, including Mundelein, Palatine and others. He explained that the program is in partnership with Harper Community College and Chicago’s Industrial Consortium for Advanced Technical Training. Apprentices will alternate between class time and real world hands-on experience, while earning an associate’s degree at Harper, a DIHK certificate and a Department of Labor Certificate.

GF Machining Solutions will pay apprentices’ tuition, as well as provide them with an hourly wage plus benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off. “Student loans don’t go away, so why start with one?” questioned Carlson.

www.gfms.com