Summit Revives Manufacturing Apprentice Program Discussion

Educators and business owners gathered at Los Angeles Valley College to discuss reviving apprenticeship programs at San Fernando Valley manufacturers. Long reserved for large companies, many of the businesses represented at the apprenticeship summit on Oct. 17 were in the small to medium categories. Apprentice programs had been more common in decades past but then fell by the wayside as manufacturers had other priorities and high schools eliminated the shop programs that provided potential apprentices. “I think they are preoccupied with staying in business (so) training became secondary,” said Roberto F. Gutierrez, program manager with the job training program at Valley College. “A strong, trained force: that is how you grow your business.” The 60 or so participants discussed how to start an apprentice program and debated formal vs. informal programs, and who makes for the best candidates. While not always in agreement, there was a consensus on the skills an apprentice should have: the ability to communicate, technical savvy, a willingness to learn, and mechanical abilities. Haas Automation, the Oxnard-based maker of CNC machines, gave an overview of its recruitment process for apprentices. “They go on a nationwide hunt to bring in six apprentices on a quarterly basis,” Gutierrez said. “Their standards are high.” The summit went over well and attracted a good mix of the right people in place to make things go forward, said Randy Jones, vice president at Xceliron, a Chatsworth manufacturer. The company has an informal apprentice program for one employee and also has a part-time worker from Chatsworth High School. Formal apprentice programs are registered with the state and typically have the apprentice sign a multi-year contract and attend classes at a community college. While such programs work better at larger companies, the medium and small manufacturers in the Valley may shy away from wanting to sign a contract, Jones said. Smaller companies might be at more of an advantage with an informal program and still be able to comply with state requirements, said Jones, who serves as the president of the Valley chapter of the National Tooling and Manufacturing Association. A follow-up event is being planned for the spring aimed at high school seniors and community college students interested in becoming apprentices, Gutierrez said.