There are many paths to a successful career, and not all of them require a college degree. One such path is a manufacturing apprenticeship. On Friday, Oct. 7, we celebrate National Manufacturing Day. It serves as an important reminder that pursuing work that matters is well within your reach.
We’ve been offering manufacturing apprenticeships at The Timken Company for more than four decades. In fact, many of our former apprentices now hold leadership positions within our organization. They’re people like Randy Kiko, who joined Timken as an apprentice in the 1970s. Today, he leads our global prototype team, building new bearings designed to advance cutting-edge applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy.
“We need people who like working with their hands to help create new solutions,” Randy says. “They turn engineering theory into real-world products and processes.”
At our World Headquarters in North Canton, Timken offers apprenticeships for high school graduates enrolled in trade schools, as well as for current vocational high school students. From their first day on the job, participants in these apprenticeship programs gather knowledge about our specialized engineering expertise in friction management, materials science and power transmission.
Building further on our commitment to apprenticeships and STEM education, Timken is collaborating with the Manufacturing Institute to support its Creators Wanted initiative, which is our industry’s largest effort to attract and build the workforce of tomorrow. By 2025, Creators Wanted aims to:
- Reduce the skills gap in the United States by 600,000.
- Increase the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational school or reskilling programs by 25%.
- Increase the positive perception of the industry among parents to 50% from 27%.
We’re working hard to get the word out that manufacturing offers many promising—and rewarding—career paths. And we’re constantly looking for individuals who are well-positioned to take advantage of those opportunities. When their training ends, 4 out of every 5 apprentices receive offers for full-time Timken positions. Many take advantage of our tuition reimbursement program, enabling them to pursue higher education. A number of our apprentices have completed bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs all while working and advancing their careers with our company.
As the world embraces new ways to work, it’s important that the next generation’s learners and leaders take a fresh look at careers in manufacturing. Interested in becoming an apprentice or know someone who might be? Learn more about Timken’s commitment to work that matters.
Natasha Pollock is vice president of human resources for the Timken Co.
