Apprenticeship Programs: The Solution For More Skilled Workers
A shortage in skilled labor is a serious issue in United States'
manufacturing industry. Why? There's a misconception of what kind of training someone needs to have in order to enter professions within this industry. Many begin to build their skills through trade school before becoming a manufacturing professional. These students don't always get the proper hands-on training that can truly prepare them for the complex world of manufacturing Yet with these schools, there's still the perception that traditional degrees have more long-term value than vocation training.
解决之道始于德国和瑞士的学徒制教育。两国都实施对公司和员工都有益的培训计划。美国各地的公司也纷纷效仿，加快了自己的项目。学徒制项目并不便宜，因此许多公司都不愿为有抱负的年轻学生提供这种实习教育。制造商必须在培训期间对工人进行补偿，并提供他们放学后为公司工作的机会。
Fortunately, the government has recognized this issue. In 2014, The Department of Labor announced that they've created a $100 million grant to improve manufacturing apprenticeship style education programs across the country.
Last year Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said:
"President Obama challenged us to double the number of apprenticeships in the U.S. over the next five years. I like to call it the other 'four-year degree.'
Registered Apprenticeships combine high standards, rigorous instruction and hands-on experience-all while earning good pay, getting an industry-recognized credential and avoiding crushing student loan debt. In fact, the average starting salary of an apprenticeship graduate is $50,000. And many graduates can transfer skills they learned on the job into college credit-meaning that they can still complete an associate or bachelor's degree, but at far less cost. It's a win-win all around."
Since manufacturing is a integral part of the United States' economy, increased implementation can only benefit domestic companies. Donald E. Oberg, founder of Oberg Industries, has said that after on-boarding an apprenticeship program, "We've seen a triple-digit return on investment from our apprentice graduates even during difficult economic conditions." With new budgeting, the future looks bright for students who want to pursue manufacturing careers.
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Source:IndustryWeek's "The Kind of Training We Need In Manufacturing"
