AMT - The Association for Manufacturing Technology is partnering with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), which has been selected by the United States Department of Labor as an industry intermediary to support the expansion of registered apprenticeships within manufacturing. AMT will work with NIMS to increase access to apprenticeships and assist employers in developing new programs that reach diverse talent pools. As part of this initiative, $500,000 is available to support companies in establishing a registered apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor.

"For over two decades, NIMS has worked with companies, workforce development groups and community colleges to stand up high-caliber apprenticeship programs across the country," said Jim Wall, executive director, NIMS. "This contract gives us the unique opportunity to create more impact in our industry by expanding apprenticeships to underrepresented populations and to new companies looking to establish a sustainable talent pipeline."

AMT represents advanced technology manufacturers and is committed to helping its members improve their businesses through its Smartforce initiative. Smartforce serves to promote STEM education programs and events where students can explore exciting careers in advanced manufacturing as well as connect employers with workforce-ready candidates.

NIMS will focus on providing companies with tools and resources to develop customized registered apprenticeship programs. These programs combine on-the-job training with job-related classroom instruction and meet national standards for registration with the Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agencies.

"One way AMT demonstrates its mission to develop a qualified pipeline of skilled workers for the advanced manufacturing industry is by helping its members develop apprenticeship programs," said Greg Jones, AMT vice president - Smartforce. "The skilled worker shortage has helped popularize apprenticeships, which are a time-tested, earn-while-you-learn model that can boost the growth of small to mid-size manufacturers. We are proud to promote ApprenticeshipUSA, NIMS' new initiative to expand registered apprenticeships within manufacturing."

Other stakeholders supporting expansion of registered apprenticeships in manufacturing include the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA), the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA), the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA), the Aluminum Association (AA), the Business Roundtable (BRT), the Digital Manufacturing & Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT), operated by ManufacturingUSA, the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the workforce development arm of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), the National Governors Association (NGA) and the National Network of Business and Industry Associations (National Network).

NIMS is seeking companies and industry partners that are interested in enhancing their talent pipelines through apprenticeships. Companies that are interested in building an apprenticeship program or organizations that are interested in partnering with NIMS should go to www.mfgapprenticeship.com or email the NIMS ApprenticeshipUSA team at apprenticeship@nims-skills.org.