Additive Manufacturing Apprenticeship Framework to Be Unveiled

America Makes has announced its collaboration with the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) to host a free, one-day public forum March 6, 2018. The event will revolve around the Apprenticeship Works Program, promoting the expansion of advanced manufacturing apprenticeships, and will unveil what the partners are calling the first industry-vetted Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Technician Registered Apprenticeship framework. The new framework leverages the America Makes Workforce and Education Roadmap and is expected to empower employers to develop and customize AM apprenticeships to create a highly skilled workforce.

This special Apprenticeship Works event will be held on the campus of Youngstown State University. While the forum is free, registration is required.

America Makes is an extension of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), a non-profit commercial services provider. 

RCBI, a founding member of America Makes, leads Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program, which is an American Apprenticeship Initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Occupational frameworks like the one being unveiled at the forum provide an outline of what an apprentice will learn on the job and through related training. The AM framework was developed out of the work led by the America Makes Workforce and Education task force as well as through the assistance of many manufacturers.

In addition to the release of the new framework, the Apprenticeship Works forum will also feature Eric M. Seleznow, Senior Advisor with Jobs for the Future, presenting “How Apprenticeship Programs Work for Employers.” Representatives from Mohawk Flooring, Weyerhaeuser, Butech Bliss, Reddog Industries, and Martin Engineering, will share their insights about and experience with apprenticeships. A tour of the America Makes Innovation Factory is also being offered to attendees upon the conclusion the forum.