Southwest Regional Manufacturing Association in partnership with FL Makes offers vital manufacturer apprenticeship program
What is the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program?
The Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program is one of the first statewide registered programs sponsored by FloridaMakes focused on entry-level manufacturing skills for new and existing employees. The program is a competency-based, cost-effective alternative for employers to train their employees to their own standards. Through mentorship and technical instruction, employees receive on-the-job training to learn necessary skills while earning a paycheck.
This new program addresses entry-level skills gaps and provides foundational manufacturing knowledge regardless of the specific occupation, which will help give apprentices the tools they need to move on to more specific occupations. It also provides online, on-demand flexible access for students with lifestyles, work schedules and geographical barriers that often prohibit participation in traditional “classroom” offerings.
Why IMT?
The Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program was designed through a sector strategy approach led by multiple employers within the industry, represented within the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Leadership Council (AMWLC), in collaboration with FloridaMakes, CareerSource Florida, the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Career and Adult Education, and the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC).
This new program accelerates the training period based on the apprentice’s mastery of skills and competency vs. traditional time-based programs. The Manufacturing Skills Standards Council’s (MSSC), our training partner, will deliver the related Certified Production Technician training curriculum through online, on-demand access to the foundational new approach to bring Florida’s manufacturers this hybrid training model.
Key Features
- Paid Job: Apprentices are paid employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employers’ needs.
- On-the-Job Learning: Develops skilled workers through structured learning in a work setting.
- Nationally Recognized Curriculum: Improves job-related skills through education delivered virtually online and on-demand.
- Mentorship: Provides apprentices with the support of a skilled worker in the workplace to assist and enhance critical hands-on learning.
- Hybrid Model: Cost-efficient online and hands-on model with no strict class schedules or need for travel.
- Stackable Credentials: Offers a portable, nationally recognized credential to be issued at the completion of the program as a foundation for multiple career pathways as well as college academic credits.
IMT Program Details
Program Cost:
- Members of a Regional Manufacturers Association: $950 PER APPRENTICE
- Non-members $1200
200 online curriculum hours based on the MSSC Certified Production Technician 4.0 delivered through four modules:
- Safety Awareness;
- Quality Practices & Management;
- Manufacturing Processes & Production; and
- Maintenance Awareness.
2,000-hour apprenticeship on-the-job training provides a guided training program for workers in their work environment to:
- Set up, operate, monitor and control production equipment
- Help improve manufacturing processes
- Understand manufacturing as an integrated business system
- Efficiently and safely manage raw materials/consumables
- Courses are taken on-demand and not tied to ”classroom” scheduling
Courses are available in English and Spanish
At the completion of the required on-the-job hours and curriculum, the apprentice will earn a State of Florida issued, nationally-recognized Industrial Manufacturing Technician certification. Apprentices are encouraged, but not required, to take assessment testing to earn national certifications relevant to the program. The IMT program is eligible for a Certified Production Technician Certification (CPT). The CPT certification articulates to 15 college credits with the Florida State College System in manufacturing-related degrees.
For more information please contact your regional manufacturers association’s Business Advisor (find yours here) or Tina Berger, FloridaMakes Director of Talent Development at talent.development@floridamakes.com.
Learn More About IMT
To learn more about the program, register for our upcoming webinar below or visit our website where you can read about the benefits from an employer and apprentice’s perspective, how to get started with the program’s enrollment process, and answers to frequently asked questions. Visit their website
IMT Program Details
