Advertising an Apprenticeship Program
Cox Manufacturing takes unusual steps to recruit new employees into its apprenticeship program.
A billboard outside Cox Manufacturing advertises open positions at the company.
The billboard, which is visible from the highway that runs in front of the facility, also promotes the company’s apprenticeship program.
A large sign in front of Cox Manufacturing’s second building gives rates for apprentices and graduates of the program.
The first thing most visitors to Cox Manufacturing in San Antonio, Texas, will notice is the digital billboard right outside the company’s main building—it’s visible from the highway that runs in front of the facility. What’s remarkable about the billboard is what’s on it—advertisements for open positions at the company, including openings for its apprenticeship program. Another prominent sign in front of the company’s second building (adjacent to the first) advertises rates for apprentices and graduates of the program.
Cox Manufacturing established its apprenticeship program about 10 years ago to train employees for careers in manufacturing. In addition to receiving training, apprentices receive pay and shopfloor experience. Acceptance to the program is competitive, and because the shop is always taking on new apprentices, having a consistent way to advertise it is important. A future article will take a closer look at Cox Manufacturing, including how apprentices are trained when they enter program and its use of FANUC machine controls.
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