It is National Apprenticeship Week, and Eagle Technologies is showcasing and celebrating their team! “We are proud to acknowledge and celebrate past and present apprentices as a bedrock in our organization”, says Nancy Miller, Human Resources Representative. “We are finding it critical to stay involved in educational content to best understand how to help those in our program,” she adds. This partnership with Lake Michigan College combines course work training, on the job training, specific technical training, and hands-on mentoring throughout the apprenticeship.
A great alternative to a four year college commitment, Eagle Technologies’ program surpasses state requirements for completion, and is among the best in preparing apprentices for the workforce. All tuition is paid for by the student’s employer, and they will have benefits on their first day. The minimum age requirement to become an apprentice is 18, and a High School Diploma or GED Equivalency is also required. “Once the apprenticeship is complete, it is our intention they remain at Eagle and be leaders on our team,” says manufacturing manager Jay Bauer. Roughly forty percent of the employee population at Eagle began their careers as apprentices in some form.
Nationwide, this year marks the 7th annual National Apprenticeship Week, though the Eagle Technologies apprenticeship program has existed since 1996. At Eagle, the criteria set by the Department of Labor is exceeded, in both labor hours and class instruction, and they “include specific technical in-house training with an emphasis on mentoring,” says Jay. They are not only preparing their apprentices to be successful in performing duties on-site, but helping them become leaders.
The apprenticeship program roster totals 37 students between both plants, and they all have the opportunity for a successful career at Eagle Technologies. Potential students with questions about the apprenticeship program can contact Eagle HR Representative Nancy Miller, at n.miller@eagletechnologies.com . Congrats, apprentices!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
