MACHINE OPERATORS IN HIGH DEMAND
Vermont Precision Tools (VPT), headquartered in Swanton, is on the cutting edge of a new method of finding quality machine operators. A manufacturer of high-quality precision medical bur blanks for the OEM medical industry, VTP and Vermont HITEC, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to high-quality workforce development announced recently that they will hold a fifth education and apprenticeship program that will bring Machine Operator jobs to Vermont over the next several months. A Machine Operator is responsible for the operation of various cylindrical grinding machines as well as the operation of computer numeric controlled (CNC) equipment. The majority of manufacturing equipment on site is controlled by a central hub which is data-driven by sensors. An example would be this machine from https://geomiq.com which can automate the whole manufacturing process.
Those Machine Operators are responsible for the operation of various cylindrical grinding machines as well as the operation of computer numeric controlled (CNC) equipment.
The program is a partnership between Vermont Precision Tools, the Vermont Department of Labor, and Vermont HITEC. The program provides free education and one year of on-site mentoring through an apprenticeship at the VPT Swanton, Vermont location. The program is designed for unemployed and underemployed Vermont residents. Successful completion of the program will lead directly to full-time employment as a Machine Operator at the fast-growing Vermont Precision Tools.
“Vermont HITEC is thrilled to be partnering with Vermont Precision Tools to provide employment and training opportunities to individuals in northwestern Vermont,” said Steven Lutton, Executive Director of Vermont HITEC. “Our goal is to develop programs for employers that attract and train motivated individuals with the skills necessary to enter employment ready, able, and motivated to work at exceptional Vermont employers such as Vermont Precision Tools.”
Through an extensive recruitment process, up to eight individuals will be selected for the eight-week education program. Upon graduation from the education program, participants will fill Machine Operator apprentice positions. All positions will receive full wages and benefits. Individuals selected will also participate in a one-year apprenticeship program administered by the Vermont Department of Labor and will earn a Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Division upon successful completion.
“By partnering with Vermont HITEC, VPT has graduated dozens of apprentices and rapidly increased the capabilities and skills of the men and women working on our manufacturing floor,” said Monica Greene, President, and CEO of Vermont Precision Tools. This high-quality training and apprenticeship program will prepare those seeking advanced manufacturing careers and sustain our growth for many years to come.”
The pay scale for graduates of the VPT Machine Operator ITAR Program will start at $14.00 per hour. Apprentices will have the potential to earn $15.00 or more per hour after six months and $16.00 or more per hour upon the completion of a one-year apprenticeship and are based on performance. Further wage growth potential exists based on performance and overall growth within the organization. Overtime may be available, and the positions will also include a comprehensive benefits package as eligible.
“This apprenticeship program is a great opportunity for unemployed and underemployed Vermonters to gain a marketable skill set and a higher wage job,” said Vermont Department of Labor Commissioner Lindsay Kurrle. “The training, at no cost to participants who need jobs, will open up great career opportunities in the advanced manufacturing field and a better future. This program connects Vermont employers with motivated individuals who are ready to work.”
Vermont HITEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to educate, train and employ Vermonters in a variety of fields. Vermont HITEC has employed over 1,400 Vermonters over the past seventeen years in the fields of healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing and business services partnering with over 30 Vermont businesses including University of Vermont Medical Center (formerly Fletcher Allen Health Care), Husky Injection Molding Systems, IDX Systems (now GE Healthcare), Dealer.com, Precyse Solutions, Triad Design Service and Vermont Information Processing.
The deadline for applications is September 24th, 2017. To apply, visit the Vermont HITEC website at www.vthitec.org and complete the online application. For more information or assistance, contact: Katy Bacon, ITAR Project Leader & Mentor via email: [email protected], or at 802-872-0660.
