Enterprise Tool & Die, LLC – Grandville, MI
Work-based learning such as apprenticeships has helped manufacturers respond to staffing and talent challenges, including an aging workforce, constantly changing technologies and a lack of standardized training. When companies cannot overcome these challenges, their teams may become less productive, their profits decline, and they begin to lose their capacity to innovate. On the flip side, those with well-designed apprenticeship programs can attract new workers and provide the younger generation with opportunities to learn new skills.
The Power of Apprenticeship Programs
Enterprise Tool & Die, LLC is another PMA member who believes in the power of apprenticeship programs. Their program has helped their business become more competitive and positioned them as an employer of choice for a diverse pool of talented workers. Their apprenticeship program is a four-year program, and after the forth year, the program participants receive a DOL certified journeyperson’s certificate.
Graduate Two Apprentices a Year
According to Doug Groom, Owner/CEO at Enterprise Tool & Die, they are passionate about keeping their apprentices once they are finished with the program and do whatever possible to make them stay. As of now, the company’s goal is to graduate two apprentices a year. While you can join the program with little to no experience, Enterprise Tool & Die looks for young, talented kids who are driven to work and willing to learn. Many of the apprentices that join the program enjoy being hands-on and building things.
Once the apprentices complete the program, they receive their journeyman card, proving they are certified to be a tool & die maker.
Not only does Enterprise Tool & Die pay the apprentices as if they were entry-level employees,
but they also pay for their schooling.
According to a current apprentice enrolled in the program, the earning potential in the industry is incredible.
Attracting Talent
The Enterprise Tool & Die team put a lot of time and resources into their recruitment efforts for the program. For example, they sit on various community college boards to showcase their program as an alternative to the traditional college route. In addition, they do about 4-5 bus tours a year, which is an initiative Doug set up with a liaison from the county. The bus tour was created for middle school through high school students and consists of a visit to three facilities: steel, tool & die, and production shops. During the tour, students can see the facilities up close and learn about what a career in manufacturing could look like for them. “When it comes to our apprenticeship program, we believe in attraction rather than promotion,” Doug said. “While many of our apprentices are high school students, we have also had some older people join the program who are interested in a career change.”
Learn More
Enterprise Tool & Die takes the time to properly invest in their apprentices and make sure they go through extensive training. Various levels of the program ensure that apprentices are familiar and comfortable with all areas of the trade by graduation. Enterprise Tool & Die is focused on further developing the program and is currently accepting new applicants. Connect with Doug on LinkedIn .