Oh-Penn Offers Incentives for Training Machinists

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Greater Oh-Penn Manufacturing Apprentice Network is encouraging manufacturers to join its group-sponsored apprenticeship model to train new machinists.

The U.S. Department of Labor provides reimbursement grants of up to $6,000 per apprentice to companies within the 14 counties in the network. The network covers Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull, Geauga, and Portage counties in Ohio, and Crawford, Clarion, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties in Pennsylvania.

“Employers often express how overwhelming administering an apprenticeship program can be,” said Jessica Borza, project leader for the Oh-Penn Network. “Manufacturers through the 14 counties led the effort to create common standards and curriculum by working together.”

The group model focuses on machining and experience. Staff is available to help companies:

• Understand the apprentice-training model; identify existing models for the occupations employers need.

• Connect with the appropriate resources to launch or enhance employers’ programs.

• Draft standards of apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and classroom instruction outlines based upon employers’ needs.

• Submit registration paperwork to the state apprenticeship agency for full recognition in the National Registered Apprenticeship System.

• Help with program updates as workforce needs evolve.

Bill Hilbert Jr., president of Reddog Industries based in Erie, Pa., says he has used the group model apprenticeship for his company and emphasizes the help the apprenticeship network staff gave.

“Quite frankly, the network staff held our hand through the process. We were relieved to find that many of the things we needed to develop were readily available,” he said. “It was a little bit scary at first, not knowing what exactly we would need to start a qualified apprenticeship program, but we found the group process to be quick and efficient.”

Companies that register a new apprenticeship program and sign up for the Network’s group sponsored model by Sept. 30 will receive $6,000 in reimbursement. After Sept. 30, companies will be eligible for a $5,000 reimbursement.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.