NIMS Works to Develop Apprenticeship Programs

 

NIMS, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, has partnered with Focus: HOPE to develop an apprenticeship program in Michigan to fill technical jobs in manufacturing. The project was selected as a winner of the United States Department of Labor's American Apprenticeship Initiative grant program announced recently and will build on NIMS' competency-based apprenticeship model. 

NIMS will serve as an engaged partner through the following activities with the Focus: HOPE American Apprenticeship Program:

• Identifying the skills and competencies individuals need to enter into and complete advanced manufacturing apprenticeship programs
• Supporting the development of career pathways, apprenticeship models and tools, and integration of NIMS industry-recognized credentials
• Aligning training programs to industry standards
• Providing technical assistance to schools, employers and other partners

"There is a growing skills gap nationally and in Michigan for jobs in advanced manufacturing, particularly in metalworking," says James Wall, executive director, NIMS. "The Focus: HOPE American Apprenticeship Program will provide individuals with the skills and credentials aligned with open jobs, ultimately providing a pathway to career advancement."

National trends show that there is an increasing demand for individuals with machining skills. In Michigan, there is almost 125,000 jobs requiring machining skills, with demand for CNC programmers expected to climb 15 percent by 2024. The average hourly wage for machining jobs in Michigan is $20.47.

As part of its commitment to expand manufacturing apprenticeships, NIMS participated in the White House Apprenticeship Summit on September 8. Mr. Wall and a few NIMS board members joined 100 employers to share successful apprenticeship models, best practices, and how to promote apprenticeships to other employers.