Milacron Announces First Graduating Class from Machinist Pilot Training Program
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All 10 graduates hired full time at Milacron; next class in progress
CINCINNATI, Ohio - Milacron LLC is proud to announce a 100 percent hiring rate for the first graduating class from its pilot machinist training program run in partnership with the University of Cincinnati Clermont College.
The 16-week certificate program, designed to train workers in advanced manufacturing skills and provide them with hands-on experience, tools and payment for their time, was conducted in a newly renovated, former Ford manufacturing facility near UC Clermont College's UC East campus.
The 10 graduates ranged in age from 18-52 and had a wide range of industrial skills and experience, but no machining experience, when they entered the program. For some, that prior experience translated directly to the new job for which they were training, such as precision competencies that are useful in quality control or inspection and a talent for drawing that relates directly to computer-aided design (CAD). All graduates were from the southwest region of the state and are now working full time as machinists at Milacron.
"We have been looking for machine operators for quite a while without much success. And with a number of retirements on the horizon, we needed some out-of-the-box thinking to have our workforce prepared for the future. This program fits our needs perfectly; the model helped us to quickly close the skills gap we have been experiencing. It has far exceeded our initial expectations," said Jim Kinzie, Plant Manager of Milacron's Mt. Orab, Ohio facility.
This program demonstrates a push, on behalf of both Milacron and UC Clermont, to revitalize the eastern corridor of Southwestern Ohio by extending its long history of manufacturing and creating sustainable career paths for the people who call the region home.
UC Clermont worked closely with Milacron to customize the curriculum to meet Milacron's needs. The college also secured a grant that is funding additional equipment, helping make the program viable long-term.
"This partnership allows us to meet the needs of all of our key stakeholders, businesses, the community and individual students. The program is in direct alignment with the trend toward scalable education. Learn, work, learn some more. We educate people to get them working and then help them advance their careers through a lifelong learning approach," said Glenda Neff, Director, Outreach Services, UC East.
The partnership is well-suited to Milacron's strong presence in southwestern Ohio, with two of its largest production facilities located in Batavia and Mt. Orab. Over 800 of Milacron's 2,800-plus worldwide employees reside within the Greater Cincinnati / Eastern corridor area.
Graduates of the customized program took classes in CAD, Lean Manufacturing, Principles of Machining and Shop Floor Mathematics. These courses can be directly applied to an associate's degree program through the University of Cincinnati. In turn, that associate's degree can be directly applied towards a Bachelor of Applied Administration - a unique educational opportunity for employees who may want to move into management positions.
The current class began on Jan. 14 with 10 more participants, and a third class is planned for fall 2013.
About Milacron LLC
Milacron LLC and its businesses are committed to being the leading suppliers of plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids around the world. The people of Milacron's companies know what matters in manufacturing, and every day, put this know-how to work to help customers improve productivity, cut costs, increase energy efficiency, eliminate scrap and reduce cycle times. For further information, visit www.milacron.com or for career opportunities, visit www.bemoreatmilacron.com.
Media Contacts
For more information contact:
Alyssa Hintzen
Account Executive
Trefoil Group
(414) 270-3521
Bob Starr
Director Marketing
Milacron, LLC
(248) 544-5718
