Changes in Metalworking Trades Mean Changes for Apprentice Training-American Machinist

Today’s metalworking environment has changed dramatically over the past two decades but many apprenticeship programs haven’t matched those changes. One trade organization that is transforming the way metalworking apprentices are trained is TMA. TMA is a Park Ridge, Ill.-based, full service manufacturing association for companies with various services and programs....Getting started in TMA’s Apprentice Training Program requires potential students to begin with a WorkKeys job skills assessment program, developed by ACT. WorkKeys also can help employers to select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. WorkKeys assesses employee competence in several areas to assess the participant’s readiness for training. WorkKeys focus on three areas: Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information.