Alliance member Opportunities, Inc./Diversified Personnel Services (DPS) has been selected to sponsor and host a new Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) apprenticeship program in collaboration with Wisconsin Regional Training Program (WRTP)/BIG STEP!

The IMT apprenticeship is designed to fulfill the growing need for skilled production workers in advanced manufacturing, and uses a flexible curriculum that can be adapted to specific employers’ needs, in settings ranging from metal and plastic fabrication to food production.

The State-registered apprenticeship program will be offered in both Jefferson and Waukesha Counties (south central Wisconsin) and combines rigorous on-the-job training and classroom learning through the local technical college.

During the 3,000-hour (18-month) program, apprentices earn a competitive wage and build diverse and transferrable technical skills while completing coursework required to obtain a State Indentured IMT Journeyman Card, along with a Certificate from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

“We are extremely pleased to partner with Opportunities Inc. as we jointly prepare workers to become skilled, and move along a career pathway to family sustaining jobs,” says Mark Kessenich, President and CEO of WRTP/BIG STEP.

DPS expects to begin an initial class of 15 to 18 apprentices in mid-May. To be eligible, candidates must be able to perform a full range of motion, work a full schedule, pass a background screen, and be legally authorized to work in the US. Previous manufacturing, retail or fast food lead experience or equivalent high school training is helpful, but not required.

The curriculum includes modules in Safety, Quality, Production Processes and Maintenance Awareness, and apprentices will be supported by onsite instructors and proctors, one-on-one tutoring, and state of the art teleconferencing to ensure a dynamic learning experience and individual success.

Placing the apprentices will not be a challenge. Opportunities, Inc. operates its own in-house co-packaging business, and DPS is a trusted staffing partner with dozens of area manufacturing firms that account for 80% of its employee placements, primarily in temp-to-hire positions. In 2018, DPS placed upwards of 2,200 job seekers.

Adds Ann Janquart, Vice President, Staffing and Employee Services at DPS, “The IMT apprenticeship is an exciting and innovative way to enhance our training and boost our employees’ skills, confidence and earning potential to the next level.”

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