Manufacturing apprenticeships help fill talent pipeline but more host sites needed

The bright orange sparks arc and hiss as they fly skyward. The welder looks like any other at Uniparts Olsen's Eldridge operations, but behind the helmet is 16-year old Justin Moeller. He's one of nine high school welding students participating in a unique workforce development program designed to fill the manufacturing talent pipeline in the Quad Cities region.

With a manufacturing legacy as deep as the river running through it, the Quad Cities is facing a dilemma. Recent feedback from companies interviewed during the Chamber’s Business Connections visits revealed 62% are experiencing recruitment issues. Of those employers, nearly half cited skilled labor shortages, including welders, CNC operators, CDL drivers and tool and die makers, among others. 

So rather than sitting back and lamenting the shortage, Quad Cities leaders are teaming up and creating solutions to one of the biggest challenges facing key employers today.

“Regions that take a proactive, creative approach to filling their workforce needs are a leg up in winning the talent wars," said Jerred Pauwels, General Manager, John Deere Davenport Works. "And that’s not just important to maintain economic health but also for future growth.”

During a recent presentation to leaders from industry and education, David Ottavianelli, Director, Strategic Projects - Labor Relations at John Deere, shared efforts underway to help the Quad Cities stand out as an attractive region where business can rely on a steady flow of trained and qualified manufacturing candidates.

The program has a three-fold goal:

• Increase the candidate pipeline
• Establish partnerships between key community stakeholders to attract and develop people
• Maintain relationships with students in order to help guide them to employment opportunities

“Economic growth relies on human capital – 35 percent of Quad Cities students graduate from high school but do not pursue secondary education and therefore are not equipped to participate in workforce,” said Ottavianelli, who stressed the program is not solely a John Deere initiative. “The world is changing as well as the way we’re recruiting and training people to enter the workforce.” 

Starting in May 2019, nine students from Davenport and North Scott schools began registered apprenticeship programs that rely on partnerships with community colleges and businesses. As part of the coursework, high school juniors spend half of their day in school and half of their day on-site at businesses. John Deere Davenport Works has six welders; three other area businesses – ALM Positioners, Eckhart and UniParts Olsen – each have one student.  

“If you’re doing what you love, you won’t work a day in your life," Moeller, the North Scott High School student welder, said. "Knowing that I can have the opportunity to get this apprenticeship and set myself up for a great future is very rewarding and gratifying. I’m very lucky to be in this spot.”

The goal over the next two years is to increase participation in specialty certification programs at area high schools in Iowa and Illinois to fill 50 apprentices by next June and 80-plus in 2021. Eventually, Ottavianelli envisions 100 trained student graduates will be ready to enter the workforce on an annual basis. 

Currently, however, there are more students seeking placement than there are businesses offering apprenticeships.

“Businesses have a huge role to play,” said Pauwels, who also serves as vice chair of the public-private Board of Directors for Quad Cities First, the Chamber's Economic Development division. “Businesses will need to think about workforce differently than they have in the past.” 

Added Pauwels of the opportunity for interested businesses: “There’s no better way to make a low-risk hire."

LEARN MORE: 
Ready to learn more about how your company can fill your own talent pipeline? Register to attend the Jan. 10 Hub Huddle where Ottavianelli will cover specifics about becoming a registered apprenticeship host site, including the top 10 questions businesses ask about them.