51 Students Graduate from TMA's Related Theory Apprentice Program and Become the Next Generation of Manufacturers in Illinois

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - 51 students graduated from TMA's Related Theory Apprentice Program last Thursday night (May 24), surrounded by their family, co-workers, and TMA representatives at the Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates. These students successfully completed the three-year program while working full-time at their TMA sponsor companies. 18 graduated in Mold Making, 18 in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programming, and 15 in Tool & Die Making.

"This program and you, the graduates, really personify the great strides we are making in manufacturing in Illinois. Illinois is the heart of manufacturing in the US and I think we could also say that manufacturing is really the heart of Illinois," said Deputy Governor Leslie Munger during her opening remarks. "With the education, training, and hard work of all the graduates here, Illinois will have a competitive advantage over our neighboring states in the most critical, number one need for companies today - a skilled workforce. Apprenticeships are a win-win for both the students and the company: students get an opportunity to both learn and earn the skills they need, and companies get employees trained in the exact skills they need for their job."

TMA's Related Theory Graduation was for students who have completed the three-year Apprentice Training Program. Students attend class twice a week from 6pm - 9pm for 28 weeks each year, in addition to working full-time at their sponsored TMA member company. During their first year, they are taught basic skills such as shop math, blueprint reading, and the basics of machine tool technology. In their second year, students begin their discipline in mold making, CNC programming, or tool & die. In their third year, students continue their education with more advanced training. Certificates were presented to students for their chosen track by their specialized instructors and Montez King.

"I can tell you this much: you have entered into a gateway of endless possibilities. Only 16% of all high school seniors are interested in the jobs you graduates are pursuing. More than 50% of all jobs in the work force require more than a high school degree, but less than a bachelor's degree. Plus, jobs that require more than a high school degree but less than a bachelor's degree earn more money than people with bachelor degree careers," said Montez King, Executive Director of NIMS and Member of the President's Taskforce on Apprenticeship Expansion. "I want to thank the families for supporting the graduates, and I especially want to thank the graduates for going through the hard work to get to this milestone in your life."

The TMA Related Theory Apprenticeship Training Program has been assisting member companies in training their apprentices for over 70 years. It is one of the largest, most recognized precision metalworking apprenticeship programs in the United States.

To learn more about TMA and the Related Theory Apprenticeship Training Program, visit: tmaillinois.org