Milacron Hires All 10 Graduates from the First Machinist Pilot Training Program

Sometimes, one must take the bull by the horns. Milacron LLC announced a 100-percent hiring rate for the first graduating class from its pilot machinist training program. It’s a 16-week certificate program, designed to train workers in advanced manufacturing skills and provide them with hands-on experience, tools and payment for their time. The plastics processing machine tool producer needs skilled machinists, like so many other manufacturers.

The ten graduates ranged in age from 18-52 and had a range of industrial skills and experience, but no machining experience, when they entered the program. All graduates are now working full-time as machinists at Milacron. The classes are conducted in a newly renovated, former Ford facility near the company’s Batavia, Ohio, headquarters and in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati’s Clermont College.

U.C. Clermont worked closely with Milacron to customize the curriculum to meet the manufacturer’s needs. The college also secured a grant that is funding additional equipment, helping make the program viable long-term.

“This program fits our needs perfectly; the model helped us to quickly close the skills gap we have been experiencing. It has far exceeded our initial expectations,” says Jim Kinzie, plant manager of Milacron’s Mt. Orab, Ohio, facility.

Graduates of the customized program took classes in CAD, lean manufacturing, principles of machining and shopfloor mathematics. These courses can be directly applied to an associate’s degree program through the University of Cincinnati. In turn, that associate’s degree can be directly applied toward a Bachelor of Applied Administration - a unique educational opportunity for employees who may want to move into management positions.

The second class began on Jan. 14 with ten more participants, and a third class is planned for fall this year.

For further information about career opportunities, visit bemoreatmilacron.com.