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.
For Employers
For Employees
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 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
What Programs are there?
What do the apprentices learn?
Education: