Part of a series of case studies highlighting effective models of work-based learning supported by Jobs for the Future. The Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship (IMT) fills a major gap in the professional development and career pathway of entry-level production workers—the largest manufacturing job category—in diverse manufacturing sub-sectors. Although the manufacturing industry has a long tradition of using apprenticeship to train workers for highly skilled occupations such as industrial maintenance mechanics and pattern makers, little formal training was deemed necessary for workers in entry-level production positions. In recent years, as manufacturers have incorporated lean manufacturing, statistical process control, and computer numerical control (CNC) processing into entry-level manufacturing jobs, the skill requirements of entry-level jobs have increased. Not only have manufacturing employers found it difficult to recruit and retain qualified production workers, they have also had difficulty finding candidates within their current workforce who are qualified to train for high-skilled occupations. This publication describes how the IMT Apprenticeship addresses both of these challenges.

Jobs for the Future is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure educational and economic opportunity for all.