MAG IAS, LLC and Gateway Community College in Park Hills, KY are helping manufacturing-minded students get on a solid career path, providing on-the-job training and related classroom instruction via an apprenticeship program designed to prepare them for a career in manufacturing. The program was started in 2007, and successful candidates are hired as full-time employees by MAG and provided 100 percent company-paid tuition.
In addition, MAG recently donated a 3016FX vertical machining center (VMC) to Gateway for use in its machining labs. The two organizations' commitment to the apprenticeship program was recently featured in an NBC Nightly News report on Tuesday, March 1.
"This is an excellent program for students who know they want to work in manufacturing," said Bill Weier, Human Resources Manager for MAG Hebron Operations. "We're able to provide specialized training and hands-on experience they will need to start their career immediately upon graduation." The program includes three areas of study: Run-off Technician and Electrical Technician – both four-year programs – and the three-year Assembly Technician curriculum.
Currently, MAG employs seven apprentices, with six more positions to be added next year. Applicants must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, and must demonstrate high mechanical and mathematical skills. All applicants must also complete an employment application, perform skills testing and go through a comprehensive interview process.
MAG also has cooperative education programs with the University of Cincinnati, University of Louisville, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Miami University and Cincinnati State.
MAG will begin taking applications for the apprenticeship and/or cooperative education programs in May 2011 for the fall term. Information can be found at www.mag-ias.com/career.