Apprentices Graduated with Nationally Recognized Manufacturing Certificates in Mold Making, CNC Programming, and Tool & Die Making
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – Absent the well-deserved pomp and circumstance in the midst of 2020’s pandemic shutdown, last year, 38 students completed three challenging years of studying at Schaumburg-based Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA). While working full-time, these students sacrificed countless hours of leisure time to obtain life-changing diplomas in tool & die making, CNC programming, and mold making.
Traditionally, TMA holds a public ceremony providing family, friends, and leaders in the manufacturing community the opportunity to honor graduating students and the employers that funded their training and education. But last year, TMA staff hand-delivered diplomas to the graduates at their worksites while members of the TMA Training & Education Department congratulated them virtually.
“During the pandemic, the public at large has realized the importance of manufacturers and having a made in America supply chain. What these students participated in over the last three years is the gold standard of manufacturing training programs. This nationally recognized certificate which includes 506 hours of instruction will allow them to enter into a lucrative and rewarding career in manufacturing,” said TMA President Steve Rauschenberger.
TMA’s Related Theory Graduation was for students that completed the three-year Apprentice Training Program. During their first year, they are taught basic skills such as shop math, blueprint reading, and the basics of machine tool technology. In their second year, students began their discipline in mold making, CNC programming, or tool & die. In the third year, students continued their education with more advanced training.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the entire program pivoted from its in-house, hands-on training to an online program.
Patrick Osborne, TMA’s Vice President of Training & Education said, “I don’t think anyone could have seen a pandemic of this magnitude come down on us. We were so close to wrapping up another successful year when the pandemic hit us. I am especially proud of the fact that our TMA team, like our members, are among the most innovative people in the world and we were able to continue these very important education programs during this unprecedented time.”
The TMA Related Theory Apprenticeship Training Program has been assisting member companies in training their apprentices for over 70 years.
