Going PRO apprenticeship readiness participants with their new employers
Program matches young adults with manufacturing employers
Wednesday, May 30 was “signing day” for six Allegan residents eager to begin careers in manufacturing. The individuals, a mix of recent high school graduates and young adults seeking a career pathway, are participants in a pre-apprenticeship program through West Michigan Works!. The Going PRO apprenticeship readiness program includes work-readiness and technical skill building and an “earn and learn” opportunity with a participating employer.
During the month of June, participants will divide their time between GRCC classes (offered at Allegan County Area Technical and Education Center) and work. For the remainder of the summer, the participants will work full time and develop their skills with a Going PRO mentor. In September, they will work with the employer and mentor to create a plan for full-time, permanent employment and career advancement.
Program participant, Tyler Moore was thrilled with his offer from Eclipse Tool & Die in Wayland. “I’ve been trying to get into the tool and die trade for over two years,” said Moore. “This was my ticket in!” Patty DeGood, office manager and HR for Eclipse, noted that they were equally excited “to be a stepping stone for Tyler as he embarks on a skilled trades career.”
“I’ve been trying to get into the tool and die trade for over two years. This was my ticket in!” -Tyler Moore, Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness Participant
Chance Madarik received an offer from Parker Hannifin. “I didn’t know what I was going to do and thought I had just wasted the last two years of high school,” Madarik said. “But my teacher encouraged me to take this opportunity to better myself.”
The remaining pre-apprentices were matched with the following employers:
Ryan Frye – Koops, Inc.
Nick Dye – Stampede Die
Melissa Girardin – TMD Machining
Jacob Bush – Trans-matic Manufacturing
At the end of the summer, each student will have earned course credits and two certificates (pre-apprenticeship and career readiness) at no cost and will be on the path to a registered apprenticeship, a nationally recognized credential.
