FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 25, 2018) ‘ Officials from Vermont Thread Gage (VTG) in Franklin, the Institute for American Apprenticeships (IAA), and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet today announced a new Registered Apprenticeship program that will bring Machine Operator jobs to Kentucky over the next several months.
Through an extensive recruitment process, up to12 individuals will be selected for an eight-week education program at Vermont Thread Gage in Franklin ‘ a manufacturer of threaded ring and plug gages for a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, fastener, and general cutting tools. Upon completion of the education program, individuals will be chosen to participate in a year-long Registered Apprenticeship program where they will earn full wages and benefits.
?The Kentucky Labor Cabinet is proud to partner with Vermont Thread Gage and the Institute for American Apprenticeships to bring skilled labor to the commonwealth,? Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey said. ?Registered Apprenticeships provide a proven training model for employers like Vermont Thread Gage to ?grow their own.’ At the same time,12 new machine operators will have the opportunity to begin training in a high-skilled profession that can lead to a great career. Together, this is a winning solution for everyone and is another shining example of what the Kentucky Trained. Kentucky Built. Registered Apprenticeship program is all about.?
The program is designed for unemployed and underemployed Kentucky residents. Successful completion of the program will lead directly to full-time employment as a machine operator. According to Monica Greene, president and CEO of Vermont Thread Gage and its parent company Vermont Precision Tools, the program will not only address an immediate shortage for machine operators, but help the company sustain long-term growth needed to meet industry demand.
?By partnering with IAA, VTG expects to graduate dozens of apprentices and rapidly increase the capabilities and skills of the men and women working on our manufacturing floor,? Greene said. ?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 apprenticeship graduates will start at $13.00 per hour. Apprentices will have the potential to earn $14.00 or more per hour after six months and $15.00 or more per hour upon the completion of a one-year apprenticeship. Further wage growth potential exists after the apprenticeship 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.
?The Institute for American Apprenticeships is honored to have been asked to partner with Vermont Thread Gage to establish an apprenticeship program for their organization,? said Steven Lutton, executive director of the Institute for American Apprenticeships. ?We are excited to develop a program specifically for Vermont Thread Gage that attracts and trains motivated individuals with the skills necessary to enter employment ready, able, and motivated to work at an exceptional Kentucky employer such as Vermont Thread Gage.?
State legislators also reacted to today’s announcement, praising the company’s investment into local workforce.
?The accomplishments of a local manufacturing business, Vermont Thread Gage, have not only been recognized in Franklin but at a regional, national, and worldwide level,? State Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg, said. ?I’d like to congratulate Vermont Thread Gage on their impressive history and wish them luck on their new apprenticeship program. Thriving local businesses lead to a promising future within Senate District 9 and across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.?
?I want to thank Vermont Thread Gage for making this training available and for playing an important role in our corporate community and local economy,? said State Rep. Wilson Stone, D-Scottsville. ?This type of investment says a lot about the company’s commitment to workforce development.?
Additional information is available at http://labor.kentucky.gov.
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