Companies Join Forces to Develop New Apprenticeship Program

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – PMF Industries, Inc. and Norcen Industries Inc have joined forces to create the Central Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Consortium (CPAC). This newly formed entity has worked together to develop a new CNC Precision Machining Apprenticeship program, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor.

The CNC Apprenticeship is a three-year program, which includes paid, full-time employment with benefits, and On the Job Training (OJT) with the employer and associated Related Technical Training (RTI) classroom instruction. This brings the hands-on learning together with the professional theory. This type of combined training enhances the technical expertise of the Apprentice.

This Apprenticeship program is also aligned with the local high school CTC/CTE Machining programs in Central Pennsylvania as Pre-Apprenticeship programs. This creates an “ecosystem” of students preparing themselves for the Apprenticeship program while still in their high school CTC setting. Pre-Apprenticeship graduates will receive training hours that can be applied to the Apprenticeship (RTI) training hours requirement.

The Apprenticeship model is a win-win for both businesses and apprentices. PMF President, John Perrotto noted, “As businesses, we believe this investment in training will continue to help us grow our technology, production and value in the marketplace. For the apprentices, they earn a living while learning their trade, which sets them up for immediate success in their careers. It’s really a huge win for everyone!”