Learn, Work, then Learn Some More

Those are the words of Glenda Neff, Director of Outreach Services at University of Cincinnati Clermont College, when describing the goal of their partnership with Milacron LLC  to think out-of-the-box when preparing the workforce of the future: a pilot machinist training program, whose entire first graduating class has been hired full-time by Milacron. Sounds like they did something right!

The 16-week certificate program--conducted in a renovated, former Ford facility near UC Clermont College’s UC East campus--was designed to train workers in advanced manufacturing skills and provide hands-on experience, tools and payment for their time.

The 10 graduates from the southwest region of Ohio range in age from 18 to 52, and possessed a variety of industrial skills when entering the program, but not machining. They are all now working full time as machinists at Milacron.

Coursework included CAD, Lean Manufacturing, Principles of Machining and Shop Floor Mathematics, which can be applied to an associate’s degree program through the University of Cincinnati. Then that associate's degree can be applied towards a Bachelor of Applied Administration, which is an educational opportunity for employees pursuing management positions. 

UC Clermont worked with Milacron to develop the curricula to meet Milacron’s needs, and also obtained a grant to fund more equipment.

The current class began on January 14 with 10 more participants, and a third class is planned for fall 2013.