Advertising in MoldMaking Technology offers
Issue link: https://mmt.epubxp.com/i/917019
moldmakingtechnology.com 43 on each relevant area including engine lathe, manual mill- ing, surface grinding and bench work. Mentors like Lonnie Wise, who is a senior toolmaker, work closely with appren- tices through these steps. "With the apprentices, it's very important to set expectations. You don't know what kind of home life they have had or who has been mentoring them or whether anyone has even talked to them about the keys to success," Wise says. "We set expectations, tell them to do their best and that we're here to support them. They are taking the first step of a tremendous journey that will give them a rewarding career and enable them to support a fam- ily, which is very important." Lavery also says that there are no shortcuts for trainees where Wise is concerned. "He's not just training them on how to set up and run a Bridgeport or a surface grinder, or how to do the math long-hand, though he will sit them down with a piece of paper and teach them old-school ways. He's also teaching them important work ethics, which we've missed a lot of with this next genera- tion—and that's a fact. When he tells you to be here at 7 a.m., you better be here at 7 a.m. If he wants you to stay late to finish a job, you will do it." Apprentices also spend time in the company's stretch- blow lab, where they learn about tool setup and installation, molding machine operation, PET materials and processing, bottle inspection techniques and more. The program keeps detailed records of every element that apprentices learn, and the program evaluates apprentices in 90-day intervals to determine if they are ready to advance to the next training segment. Upon completion, apprentices receive an R&D; Certificate of Completion for the machinist apprenticeship program. The company is active in many programs and organizations like the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA). Lavery says, "We are a member of the NTMA, and we use all their training programs to help structure our internal programs as well as for recruiting interns and full-time employees." Other organiza- tions with which R&D; participates include the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA), Kansas City Manufacturing Network (KCMN), Metropolitan Community College of Greater Kansas City (MCCKC), Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC), local high school robotics programs, college programs like the Missouri Innovation Campus and the company's grassroots efforts with Support Plastics USA. "We participate in local job fairs as well as offer campus tours to high schools and colleges. I only see this getting better with time," Lavery says. "As more attention to the skills gap grows through social media, supporting organizations and in continual articles in publications like MoldMaking Technology, the word is getting out about how great this trade can be for a career path." • An alternative to expensive laser welding • Easy to Use: pre-programmed for most tool & die repairs • Mobile: take the PUK U5 welder right to the press site Keep Mold Repair In-house! Micro TIG Welder the PUK U5 NEW www.gesswein.com 800.243.4466 Magnetic Base attaches directly to mold. Item# 830-0957 See video on our website! FOR MORE INFORMATION R&D;/Leverage / 816-525-0353 clavery@rdleverage.com / rdleverage.com With the apprentices, it's very important to set expectations.