As the Fall Semester approaches, County College of Morris (CCM) is continuing its collaboration with CareerAdvance USA for individuals looking to forge a new, well-paying career in advanced manufacturing. With an emphasis on learning while earning, the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program offers aspiring professionals the chance to gain paid, on-the-job training, positioning them for success in a high-demand industry. In addition, applicants may be eligible for scholarships to help fund the cost of this rewarding program.
“The demand for skilled workers in the advanced manufacturing industry is constantly increasing, and our apprenticeship program bridges the gap between classroom education and real-world application,” says Patrick Enright, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Workforce Development & Student Success. “This earn-while-you-learn opportunity provides a solid foundation of practical experience and in-demand skills for individuals seeking a career in this thriving field.”
The first step is to attend an online Information Session, via Zoom, to learn more about the pre-apprenticeship boot camp that is offered during the day or in the evening and on weekends. For a minimum of 10 hours each week, as early as this September, students may begin acquiring 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 participants 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, SolidWorks Associate certification and take a National Institute for Metalworking Skills certification prep class.
There is a $3,750 fee, plus the cost 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 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 as an apprentice while receiving additional hands-on learning at AMEC.
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. 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, take part in a virtual Information Session. The sessions take place, via Zoom, each Wednesday as follows:
- September 6, 9 a.m.
- September 20, 2 p.m.
- October 4, 12 p.m.
- October 18, 5 p.m.
- November 1, 9 a.m.
- November 15, 2 p.m.
- November 29, 12 p.m.
- December 13, 5 p.m.In-person, tours of AMEC also are being offered on Thursday, September 14; Wednesday, October 11; Thursday, November 9; and Wednesday, December 6 at multiple times throughout the day.
“CCM is a leading player in the advanced manufacturing industry, known for its commitment to innovation and excellence,” says Enright. “With a team of highly skilled professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, the college has been at the forefront of fostering the next generation of talent in advanced manufacturing and contributing to the growth of the industry.”
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.
