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GF Machining Solutions (Lincolnshire, Illinois) launched its “learn and earn” apprenticeship program with the signing of its first official candidate during the company’s Solutions Days manufacturing event June 6-7, 2017. The program, scheduled to begin in the fall of 2017, offers paths for application engineers and field-service engineers, and will accept up to five participants in its inaugural year. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the application engineers will help to analyze machine performance and provide technical support, while field-service engineers will assist in coordinating activities that relate to the installation and repair of machines and other manufacturing equipment.

During a presentation outlining the program, Jon Carlson, Marketing Specialist, stated that the company plans to choose apprentices from local area high schools including Mundelein, Palatine and others. He explained that the program is in partnership with Harper Community College and Chicago’s Industrial Consortium for Advanced Technical Training.

Apprentices will alternate between class time and real-world, hands on experience while earning an associate degree at Harper Community College, a DIHK certificate and a Department of Labor Certificate. GF Machining Solutions will pay apprentices’ tuition as well as provide them with an hourly wage plus benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. The program is planned to induct a minimum of four new apprentices every year.

The first apprentice chosen for the program was Corey Ocock. Mr. Ocock spoke at the event and said that he is aiming to be a field-service engineer after completing the advanced manufacturing program. He graduated from Palatine High School and gained valuable experience operating a three-axis CNC lathe and mill.