Next generation of manufacturers grows as 38 students complete TMA's Related Theory Apprentice Program

Manufacturers from all around the United States are concerned about the future of the industry as a retiring "Silver Tsunami" looms on the horizon - threatening a whole generation of the U.S. manufacturers.

For several years, the Technology & Manufacturing Association in Schaumburg has been working with members, local high schools and community colleges to thwart the impending workforce disaster by offering training and education that equips their graduates with what many call "the gold standard" for manufacturing skills - and all completely debt-free.

Thursday evening, TMA hosted their annual Related Theory Graduation and presented diplomas of completion in Tool & Die, Mold Making and CNC Machining to 38 students that have completed three long years of training and education in those particular fields. This year's graduation can be viewed on TMA Media's YouTube channel.

"The COVID pandemic highlighted the critical importance of manufacturers and having a 'made-in-America' supply chain. The programs that educated these students over the last three years are the gold standard of manufacturing training. This nationally-recognized certificate, which requires over 500 hours of instruction and 6,000 hours of on-the-job training, will allow these students to enter into a lucrative and rewarding career in manufacturing," said TMA President Steve Rauschenberger.

Traditionally, TMA holds a public ceremony providing family, friends, and leaders in the manufacturing community the opportunity to honor both the graduating students and the employers that funded the students' training and education.

Commenting on the pandemic-related adversity the program's staff and students overcame, Patrick Osborne, TMA's Executive Vice President said, "I don't think anyone could have foreseen a health emergency of this magnitude. I am especially proud of the fact that our TMA team, like our members, are among the most innovative people in the world, and we were able to continue these very important education programs during this unprecedented time."

TMA's Related Theory Graduation is for students who have completed the three-year Apprentice Training Program. During their first year, they learn 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 the third year, students continue their education with more advanced training.

The TMA Related Theory Apprenticeship Training Program has been assisting member companies in training their apprentices for over 70 years. Visit www.tmaillinois.org/training.html for more information on TMA's training programs.

Founded in 1925, the Technology & Manufacturing Association represents and supports manufacturers in the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding counties in northern Illinois, northern Indiana, and southern Wisconsin. It has almost 1,000 members and represents over 32,000 employees and nearly 26M square feet of manufacturing in Illinois.