Like every other company, Currier Plastics Inc. has struggled to find a more skilled workforce. So the injection and blow molder in Auburn, N.Y. invested in an apprenticeship program — a good example of Best Practices.
Six Currier Plastics employees will receive their certification in Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) after completing a 16-month virtual course through the Penn College of Technology.
The IMT program is fully interactive with instructor-led training covering areas of measurements; industrial math; spatial concepts; an introduction to mechanical components, fluid power and industrial electricity; the basics of chemistry; manufacturing process; quality; lean and the basics of statistical process control; business skills and training in industrial safety.
Penn College is in Williamsport, Pa. The virtual IMT program can be done remotely, on-site at a factory or at the college campus.
"We have worked closely with the workforce development team at Penn College to supplement funding for the program and we look forward to the impact on our workforce. We have six apprentice trainees in the program already," said Diane Pisciotti, director of talent at Currier Plastics.