NTMA announces 35th annual competition results.

Press Release Summary:



With 13 participating regional champions, NTMA/NIMS National Apprentice Competition was hosted by the NTMA Pittsburgh Chapter and New Century Careers. For the 2nd year, NIMS metalworking standards were used for qualification, as was the completion of an online exam. First Place honors went to Jeremy Graff of Sipco Molding Technologies, 2nd place to Dustin Strasser of Metal Processors, Inc., and 3rd place to Stanley Sieczkowski of Hamill Manufacturing Co.



Original Press Release:



35th NTMA/NIMS National Apprentice Competition Results



Thirteen Regional Champions from around the US came to Pittsburgh on May 9-12 to participate in the 35th NTMA/NIMS National Apprentice Competition. The event was hosted by the NTMA Pittsburgh Chapter and their training partner New Century Careers. Over the intense two-day program, competitors were required to produce projects using lathes, mills, and surface grinders as well as demonstrate their general knowledge in a written exam. Lab facilities were provided by the New Century Training Innovation Center and Penn United Technology's LIGHT Center.

For the second year, the metalworking standards from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) were used as a qualification requirement. Besides prevailing in their local competition, each Regional Champion had to successfully complete the online exam for the NIMS Machining Level I: Measurement, Materials, and Safety credential to be eligible for the national. NIMS waived the registration and testing fees as part of their sponsorship of the event.

After the points were totaled, First Place honors went to Jeremy Graff of Sipco Molding Technologies (NW Pa Chapter). Dustin Strasser of Metal Processors, Inc. (Michiana Chapter) came in Second and Stanley Sieczkowski of Hamill Manufacturing Co. finished Third. Twelve of the participants this year were products of formal apprenticeship training. One of the competitors qualified based on his achievement of NIMS Machining Level II Credentials. The NTMA Education Team added the NIMS eligibility option in 2005.

As sponsor of the First Place Champion, Sipco will receive the Grand Prize of a 40% discount off the purchase price of selected models of EDM or high speed milling machines from Agie Charmilles/Mikron along with additional cost savings on tools and accessories. Depending on the package chosen, the total value of the prize can exceed $100,000. In his award banquet keynote speech, Agie Charmilles President Harry Moser reminded the students and guests that, "...the key to success for everyone comes down to making choices. As a part of their overall business strategy, the NTMA apprentice sponsors made a good choice to invest in training and, more specifically, in training these individuals. You (students) made the decision to take maximum advantage of the training offered, and here you have arrived as the best machinist apprentices in the country." He encouraged them to continue to learn and increase their value to their company.

NTMA Chairman of the Board Jeff Kelly (Hamill Manufacturing Co.) talked about the need for skilled metalworking technicians in his company and across the country. He called this component a major factor in maintaining the "critical mass" of resources necessary for us to remain a global leader in manufacturing. He also outlined the key ideas behind a new workforce development initiative NTMA has started known as Precision Jobs for American Manufacturing.

Besides trophies, plaques, scholarships, tools, Gerstner tool chests, and other prizes, the 13 Regional Champions had an additional motivation to excel: a 10-day expense paid trip to Switzerland hosted by the Swiss Embassy to the United States. This opportunity is part of a program called "Think Swiss" involving the Embassy of Switzerland, Swiss Consulates, and the Swiss Trade Commission in the US. Harry Moser said the tour idea grew from discussions within a business advisory council on which he participates. Consulate officials had recently visited NTMA member Hydromat, Inc. in St. Louis. Company CEO/President Bruno Schmitter told them about his commitment to apprentice training and the company's long-standing involvement in the NTMA Competition. This sparked interest among the advisory group about ways they might highlight these kinds of activities to further their objective of promoting cooperation in Science, Technology, Education, and Training between our two countries.

The Swiss Ambassador to the US, the Honorable Urs Ziswiler made the award presentation to the three highest scorers at the Awards Banquet. A similar award is planned for the two Gold Medal Champions taking part in the SkillsUSA Precision Machining Technology Contest on June 20-21 in Kansas City, MO. This event is chaired by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. After returning to the US, the group will attend a Workforce Development Symposium on October 2 in Chicago as VIP guests. There they will have an opportunity to share some highlights of their visit to Europe and to relate their career goals/aspirations to the business/academic/government leaders attending the meeting.

The NTMA represents approximately 1700 member companies in the US Precision Custom Manufacturing industry and includes 50 chapters throughout the United States. Members design and manufacture tools, dies, fixtures, molds, special machines, and precision machined components as well as providing a wide range of engineering, fabrication, and assembly services for global customers. For additional information visit the NTMA homepage at www.ntma.org or contact the NTMA Education Department.

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