Okay Industries – New Britain, CT
Many small companies lack apprenticeship programs; however, apprentices are just as valuable for small businesses as large corporations. In fact, they create a win-win situation for everyone. The apprentices can learn skills on the job, gain nationally recognized qualifications and earn compensation. Meanwhile, small businesses benefit from a talent pool of enthusiastic individuals who can become valuable members of their working teams.
Okay Industries, a highly respected global supplier of medical device components and assemblies and a PMA Southern New England District member, realized this in 2018 when they rolled out their first apprenticeship program. Since then, they have had two graduates of the program and both are proving to be exceptional additions to the team. According to Martyna Finethy, training and development coordinator at Okay Industries, they are constantly looking for ways to develop the program further and implementing continuous improvement ideas based on the feedback from the apprentices and mentors.
About the Program
The tool & die apprenticeship program requires participants to complete 8,000 hours to graduate. On average, this takes about four years; however, participants can put in overtime with training and conferences, resulting in finishing ahead of schedule. Okay Industries currently has four participants in the program, which is the maximum number they have identified is most effective for focused learning.
The Power of Feedback
The program is set up to where there are two coordinators in the toolroom. One spends time training and teaching the participants up to 4,000 hours. The other coordinates working with the apprentices anywhere above that threshold. “They are essentially responsible for ensuring the program goes smoothly,” said Martyna. “Theoretical training is very intense and includes many details, so having one-on-one training that provides exposure and the opportunity to work with and learn from specialists benefits our apprentices. We believe in the power of feedback. We want our coordinators and the toolmakers to show motivational and constructive feedback so the apprentices know what they do well and where they stand in each stage of development.”
“…It’s incredible to be surrounded by cutting-edge technology and so many innovative people…”
Martyna feels as though there is a missing puzzle piece when it comes to school and entering the workforce and hopes to help bridge the gap. She is passionate about teaching the younger generation that there are other paths they can choose than college. “There is this perception that manufacturing is this dirty, unskilled world, but it’s not like that. There is no oil on the floor, and it’s incredible to be surrounded by cutting-edge technology and so many innovative people,” she said. “I also think the manufacturing industry needs more women. It would be awesome to promote this program to show that there is space for women in the manufacturing world.”
Multi-Channel Awareness
Okay Industries is proud of its recruitment process, as they go above and beyond to ensure the people chosen for the program are a good match. They work with a marketing company to help promote the program on social media, and their human resources department participates in various recruitment activities throughout the year, including attending local high schools to discuss the manufacturing career path with students and opportunities that come with it.
PMA as a Partner
As far as PMA’s involvement, Martyna feels the organization is an excellent resource for them to develop the program further. Okay Industries especially appreciates the scholarships PMA offers for those engaged in their program. “I think PMA can help other companies establish these programs – even smaller companies,” she said. “For us, an apprenticeship program helps with succession planning and ensuring that the knowledge held by the toolmakers of many years doesn’t vanish when they retire.”
About Martyna
In the three years she’s been with the company, Martyna has learned the ins and outs of the industry. Although she had no manufacturing experience before her role at Okay Industries, the psychology behind the training and development of employees is universal from field to field. She is looking forward to further improving the program and seeing it continue to grow into the future. Connect with Martyna on LinkedIn.