Expanding Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning in the Metals Industry

Challenge

Metals manufacturing is essential to our country, providing vital components used in the automobile, aerospace, and medical industries as well as in military equipment and our national infrastructure. But companies lack well-trained employees to fill needed roles. In fact, the U.S. casting and forging sectors face a pressing workforce shortage, threatening the stability of the defense supply chain and other industries that rely on these sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected demand for skilled trades in casting and forging is estimated to be more than 230,000 by 2033.

Metals manufacturers now have the opportunity to strengthen and modernize their training. Improved training will help these companies retain their top-level talent and adapt to ever-evolving changes in the industry.

METAL is the response to this opportunity, providing the necessary training and education to build a self-sustaining workforce.

Approach

Jobs for the Future (JFF) is proud to partner with METAL (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning), a national initiative to support workforce needs in casting and forging. METAL is led by IACMI—The Composites Institute with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program.

JFF has a long history of partnering with other national organizations to develop, strengthen, and expand high-quality apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs. These programs benefit employers and workers alike: Apprenticeships provide workers with clear pathways to quality jobs and the model enhances recruitment and significantly improves worker retention. Nearly 3,000 manufacturers across the country now offer apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship programs can help companies:

• Train employees for skilled positions
• Develop career paths to attract talent
• Provide pathways for career advancement
• Standardize training across company sites
• Improve productivity, safety practices, and company capacity
• Develop a learning culture that boosts loyalty and retention

Through METAL, JFF offers a robust set of services to employers in the metals industry that are looking to develop apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs for a range of roles—from forging operators and die setters, to mold makers, CNC operators, and maintenance technicians, and more. These services include:

• Helping companies develop and implement apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs
• Identifying funding resources to build and sustain programs
• Modernizing programs to make trainings more effective and efficient
• Providing access to free training modules to supplement training plans

Through METAL, JFF also offers financial assistance to companies ready to develop or expand an apprenticeship or other work-based learning program. The funding—up to $24,000 per company—can support different elements of the program, such as training materials, supplies, and curriculum development.

Results

By accelerating the development of a highly skilled workforce, JFF & METAL are meeting the surging demand for skilled metallurgical employees.

Over the past two years, JFF has partnered with more than 150 metal manufacturers across the country, providing technical and financial assistance that is helping those employers build, expand, and sustain apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs. As a result, we’ve supported nearly 60 participants in apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs for a wide range of occupations—from maintenance technicians and machinists, to moldmakers and casters. Through improved training for program participants, employers are better prepared to meet industry demands.

METAL is led by IACMI—The Composites Institute® with funding from the Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program.