Apprenticeships

The Alliance for Working Together was started in 2002 as a small, informal group of manufacturers, who met to discuss topics of interest and as a way to reach out to other manufacturers in the region. Finding skilled workers was quickly identified as one of the top challenges for our manufacturers. Promoting rewarding careers in manufacturing became the core mission of the organization. In 2012, the AWT Foundation became a 501-(c)3 non-profit. The AWT consortium now includes about 150 member companies (and growing) all engaged to work toward the sustainability of manufacturing in our community.

With the help of our strategic partners, the AWT Foundation has placed more than 1,000+ students into manufacturing careers. We have exposed over 300 5th and 6th grade students to careers in local communities. We have facilitated over 1,200 student, teacher, and parent tours of manufacturing facilities. We have been instrumental in access to transportation for manufacturing employees. By 2023, we will have trained 288 apprentices in the Northeast Ohio region.

What does the Apprenticeship Program offer?

For Employers

  • A stable, reliable pipeline
  • Customized training that meets industry standards
  • Increased knowledge transfer through on-the-job learning from an experienced mentor, combined with education courses to support work-based learning
  • Enhanced employee retention
  • A safer workplace

For Employees

  • Job security
  • A journeyman’s certificate
  • Wage increases

What is AWT’s Role?

AWT’s mission: “To promote rewarding manufacturing careers for the long-term growth and sustainability of the manufacturing industry throughout Northeast Ohio.”

AWT developed this apprenticeship model to allow all types of companies (small, mid-sized, and large) to participate in apprenticeships, and as a 501-c3 non-profit run by businesses leaders, we are able to pivot our program quickly to meet industry needs

About the Apprenticeship Program

Tool & Die Maker
Mold Maker
Precision Machinist
Tool Programmer / Numeric Control
Quality Control Inspector

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists’ hand tools.

Universal Apprenticeship Objectives:

  • Applied Shop Math
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Problem-Solving
  • Machine Tool Theory

Tool and Die Objectives:

  • Verify finished parts’ dimensions, alignments, and clearances to conform to specifications using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
  • Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
  • Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
  • Visualize and compute assemblies’ dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances based on specifications.
  • Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.

Software used:

  • Solidworks
  • GibbsCAM
  • Autodesk Fusion360

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.

 

Universal Apprenticeship Objectives:

  • Applied Shop Math
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Problem-Solving
  • Machine Tool Theory

 

Mold Maker Objectives:

  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
  • Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
  • Cut, shape, and form metal parts using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes, shears, files, and mallets.
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models

Software used:

  • Solidworks
  • GibbsCAM
  • Autodesk Fusion360

Set up and operate various machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. 

Universal Apprenticeship Objectives:

  • Applied Shop Math
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Problem-Solving
  • Machine Tool Theory

Precision Machinist Objectives:

  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
  • Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools for precision machining operations.
  • Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

Software used:

  • Solidworks
  • GibbsCAM
  • Autodesk Fusion360

Develop programs to control the machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

 

Universal Apprenticeship Objectives:

  • Applied Shop Math
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Problem-Solving
  • Machine Tool Theory

 

Numerical Control/Tool Programmer Objectives:

  • Write programs in the language of a machine’s controller and store programs on media.
  • Determine the sequence of machine operations and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces.
  • Revise programs to eliminate errors and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
  • Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
  • Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine’s controller to guide setup.

 

Software used:

  • Solidworks
  • GibbsCAM
  • Autodesk Fusion360

Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. 

 

Universal Apprenticeship Objectives:

  • Applied Shop Math
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Problem-Solving
  • Machine Tool Theory

 

Inspector Quality Control Objectives:

  • Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
  • Write test or inspection reports describing results, recommendations, or needed repairs.
  • Measure the dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications using measuring instruments, such as rulers, calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
  • Inspect, test, or measure materials, products, installations, or work for conformance to specifications.
  • Read blueprints, data, manuals, or other materials to determine specifications, inspection and testing procedures, adjustment methods, certification processes, formulas, or measuring instruments required.

Software used:

  • TBD

The AWT Apprenticeship Program is a blended educational model with online and in-person, expert training

  • In the AWT Apprenticeship Program, there are online courses for technical related training. This is an online format, so students can work at their own pace
  • Students will also receive instruction in-person from an AWT Instructor/Industry Expert one day a week at the AWT Transformation Training Center.

Requirements for an Employee to be considered

  1. Applicant must be 16 years of age or older
  2. Applicant must be a High School graduate or have a GED
  3. Applicant must be capable of doing the work of an apprentice with or without reasonable accommodation
  4. Applicant must be a current employee of an AWT Foundation Member company
  5. 6 or more unexcused absences or late in prior 6 months or since starting disqualifies the applicant from participating in the Apprentice Program for that selection cycle

Frequently Asked Questions of the AWT Apprenticeship Model

What kind of apprenticeships does AWT Offer?

AWT Offers four different apprenticeship occupations including:
1. Tool & Die Maker
2. Mold Maker
3. Precision Machinist
4. Tool Programmer/Numerical Control
5. Quality Control Inspection

What is an O'Net code?

An O’Net Code is the State of Ohio’s number associated with your apprenticeship occupation in order to easily identify the apprenticeship training

What is a RAPIDS Code?

Much like an O’Net Code, the RAPIDS Code is the Department of Labor’s number associated with your apprenticeship occupation in order to easily identify the apprenticeship training

What are the O'NET and RAPIDS Code associated with the AWT Apprenticeship Occupations?

The AWT Apprenticeship Occupation O’NET Codes are as follows:
1. Tool & Die Maker (51-4111),
2. Mold Maker (51-4061),
3. Precision Machinist (51-4041),
4. Tool Programmer/Numerical Control (51-4012),
5. Inspection: Quality Control (51-9061)

The AWT Apprenticeship Occupation RAPIDS Code are as follows:
1. Tool & Die Maker (0586)
2. Mold Maker (0116)
3. Precision Machinist (0296)
4. Tool Programmer/Numerical Control (0690)
5. Inspection: Quality Control (0936)

Are non-AWT Members able to sign-up an apprentice?

In order to take part in the AWT Apprenticeship program, we do ask that your company becomes an AWT Member. The process for membership is quick and easy. You will just send an additional $250 check payment for your AWT Apprenticeship and we will make you an AWT member with full membership benefits.

What is the cost to enroll your employee into the AWT Apprenticeship Program?

The AWT Apprenticeship Program cost is a $2,800 cost per employee per year.

For those who may need assistance with the $2,000 AWT Apprenticeship Registration fee, we urge you to apply for TechCred reimbursement of up to $2,000 per employee. The AWT Apprenticeship is recognized as a TechCred Credential.

How does my company receive TechCred reimbursement for AWT Apprenticeship Training?

To receive TechCred reimbursement for the AWT Apprenticeship Program. Fill-out the application here:

https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/apply

and follow the directions provided by AWT and you will receive up to $2,000 in reimbursement from the State of Ohio for upskilling your employee.

What are the best ways to select an employee for the AWT Apprenticeship Program?

One of the benefits of using the AWT Apprenticeship Program is that we help with the apprentice selection process. Our enrollment process ensure that the best candidates are in the AWT Apprenticeship Program and we offer a free consultation with one of our AWT Apprenticeship Managers to discuss apprentice selection best practices.

What are the minimum requirements for an employee to be considered for the AWT Apprenticeship Program?

From the AWT Apprenticeship approved State Standards, “Section 2: APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS To be allowed to apply for enrollment in this program, an individual must first meet the following requirements:

1) Applicant must be 16 years of age or older
2) Applicant must be a High School graduate or have a GED
3) Applicant must be capable of doing the work of an apprentice with or without reasonable accommodation
4) Applicant must be a current employee of an AWT Foundation Member company
5) More than 6 unexcused absences or late in prior 6 months or since starting disqualifies the applicant from participating in the Apprentice Program for that selection cycle

What is the enrollment procedure for the AWT Apprenticeship?

If you are interested in sponsoring an employee for the AWT Apprenticeship Program, you will follow the five steps below:

1. Have your employee submit the attached AWT Application form to us at contact@thinkmfg.com

2. The AWT Staff review the application and will schedule an interview with your employee where they will be interviewed for 30 minutes by an AWT Staff member using the attached interview questions. This interview will also be an opportunity for your employee to ask any questions that they have about the AWT Apprenticeship Program.

3. After the interview, an AWT Foundation Staff member will notify the employee and company of the acceptance into the AWT Apprenticeship Program via email with the following attachments: Employer Acceptance Agreement (Intent-to-Sponsor Letter) form, an apprenticeship agreement form, and apprenticeship registration invoice.

The employer will complete the Intent-to-Sponsor letter and remit payment. Checks can be made payable to the AWT Foundation with “Apprentice” in the memo line.

The applicant will complete the apprenticeship agreement and credit voucher form and return to AWT.

4. The apprentice will complete the OSHA 10 Training before the first in-person cohort meeting

5. Complete the TechCred application for reimbursement here: https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred

Can my company register more than one employee for the AWT Apprenticeship Program?

Absolutely, our maximum apprenticeship cohort size is 15 apprentices, so please apply soon!

I missed the registration date, can I sign my employees up late?

In some cases, yes, but it is not recommended due to missed material. However, that is not a worry, because we start a new cohort every February and August!