Northeast State Community College and the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) continue growing regional partnerships with employers as new students are signing on to the College’s innovative apprenticeship program.
RCAM has worked with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship to establish the Northeast State / RCAM Group Registered Apprenticeship Program. RCAM signed four newly sponsored apprentices from Fiber Innovation Technology (FIT) firm based in Johnson City in August. The newest participants in the apprenticeship program – Tony Shelton, Matt Worrell, Gary Nelson, and David Hess – visited RCAM for orientation last week.
RCAM director Heath McMillian and training director Anita Campbell led the apprentices through orientation this month. The apprenticeship agreements were signed in August. Northeast State is the only Labor Department Registered Apprenticeship Program in the state.
FIT produces synthetic fibers for demanding applications in the textile and non-woven materials. The company’s cutting-edge manufacturing processes rank among the best in the industry today.
The registered apprenticeship initiative enables RCAM to provide Advanced Manufacturing-registered apprenticeships in partnership with regional employers to build the 21st-century workforce. As the apprenticeship sponsor, RCAM provides the structure and processes for employers to take advantage of this proven workforce development model.
The registered apprenticeship training menu currently offers the mechatronics technician program. Future programs will include skills sets of injection molding technician; electromechanical technician; precision machinist; tool & die maker; CNC operator; and HVAC technician among others.