Learning While Earning in a High-Demand Field
County College of Morris (CCM) is offering the opportunity to explore a well-paying career with excellent job prospects by taking part in paid, on-the-job training, this summer through its CareerAdvance USA apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing. In addition, applicants may be eligible for scholarships to help fund the cost of this rewarding program.
The first step is to attend an Information Session, online, via Zoom, to learn more about participating in a seven to nine-week-long pre-apprenticeship boot camp offered during the day or a 20–22-week camp in the evening and on the weekend. For a minimum of 10 hours each week, as early as this summer, students may acquire the basic skills of machine learning and safety in the college’s state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC). Featuring the latest equipment in a high-tech environment, AMEC offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology that aligns with the latest innovations in the field of advanced manufacturing. The boot camp provides a hands-on experience as you learn such skills as shop basics, blueprint reading, bench working, geometric dimensioning and tolerance, safety, 2-D and 3-D computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing. Students may also pursue OSHA-10 Safety certification, CPR certification, and a SolidWorks Associate certification and take a National Institute for Metalworking Skills certification prep class.
There is a $3,750 fee, plus the purchase of supplies, to take part in the boot camp. Currently, there are opportunities for scholarships, funding for those unemployed or underemployed, as well as structured payment options. All participants can gain college credit as well and eventually continue at CCM to pursue a college degree, if desired.
Upon completion of the boot camp, students participate in on-campus interviews with local employers looking to hire someone who can participate in on-the-job training in an apprenticeship program while receiving additional hands-on learning at AMEC. By mastering these technologies and techniques, apprentices are well-equipped to pursue a successful and well-paying career in this dynamic industry.
It is estimated that over the next decade the field of advanced manufacturing will need to fill four million jobs with most of those positions being related to the pending retirement of baby boomers and 2.1 million which could go unfilled. Along with good job prospects and long-term employment stability, the field pays well with an average starting salary of $74,000 for technicians in New Jersey according to Salary.com.
If you are curious about a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing, join a CCM Information Session, held virtually, and learn more. The sessions take place online, via Zoom, each Wednesday as follows:
- May 24, 9 a.m.
- June 7, 12 p.m.
- June 21, 2 p.m.
- July 6, 9 a.m.
- July 19, 5 p.m.
- August 9, 12 p.m.
- August 23, 2 p.m.
In-person, tours of AMEC will be offered on Thursday, June 15 and Thursday, July 13.
To learn more about CCM’s Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program, register for an information session and receive the Zoom link, and/or register for a facility tour at www.ccm.edu/apprenticeships-careeradvanceusa/ or email CareerUSA@ccm.edu.
