West Setting New Standards: Success Stories in Apprenticeship Programs

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the need for skilled workers has never been greater. West has risen to this challenge by not just hiring talent, but also molding it through effective apprenticeship programs in collaboration with the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College), a special mission affiliate of Pennsylvania State University. These initiatives have proven to be a resounding success.

Apprenticeship Programs Around the World at West

West has always been committed to fostering a skilled workforce. In fact, West has been partnering with colleges and universities around the world for decades. West has established apprenticeship programs throughout our facilities in Europe and Asia Pacific. West's global apprenticeship program, comprising 160 apprentices as of 2024, offers a diverse range of opportunities across seven specialized tracks

In the United States, we have been partnering with Penn College since the 1980s. To help reduce our skills’ gaps, West began piloting an apprenticeship program with Penn College in 2018, which became a fully implemented program throughout our U.S. locations in 2020. These programs are designed to equip team members with the indispensable skills required for the job roles in our industry. In the U.S., apprentices participate in one of several different programs including: Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT), an 18-month program focused on a wide range of technical and business-related topics; Robotics & Automation, a two-year program upskilling team members in the areas of robotics and PLC programming; Plastics and Polymer Technicians, a two-year program focused on injection molding and extrusion processes; CNC Machining, a three-year program designed for tool makers and machinists; Mechatronics, a four year program focused on mechanics, industrial electricity, fluid power, and PLC programming.

Impressive Metrics Demonstrate the Program’s Success

The numbers speak for themselves. West has registered more than 300 team members at our U.S. locations through these Penn College programs. To date, 85 team members have graduated from these technical apprenticeship programs and are now federally registered journey workers across the country. This achievement is more than just a statistic; it represents West’s investment in our team members and providing them with career growth opportunities.

Moreover, these programs boast impressive retention rates. Team members who commence one of these programs display a retention rate increase by more than 25%. Even more compelling is the retention rate for graduates. To date, more than 90% of team members who have completed one of these programs are still employed with West, thus demonstrating that individuals who complete development programs like apprenticeships are not only well-equipped for their current and future roles, but are also more likely to remain long-term team members.

A Bright Future for West’s Apprenticeship Programs

The collaboration between West and Penn College serves as a model for other industries aiming to upskill their workforce. As businesses look toward sustainable growth and workforce development, the success stories emerging from West provide a blueprint for impactful apprenticeship programs. In the end, it is not just about filling positions; it is about crafting careers and fostering long-term partnerships that benefit both the team members and the business.

Adam Yoder, Industrial Training Specialist at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, states, “The progress and partnership through Penn College and West is truly inspirational to witness. It shows the power of industry and education partnering together to shape the future of advanced manufacturing.”

Our commitment to developing talent through these programs sets a standard of excellence and demonstrates that strategic collaborations can indeed shape the future of industry, one journey worker at a time.

Championing Success

A key highlight of our apprenticeship success story was showcased at a recent press conference, hosted at Penn College. Stefanie Condo, a Production Operator at our Jersey Shore, PA site, and a registered journey worker who graduated from the Industrial Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship program, had the honor of presenting and sharing her experience, and then introducing Acting US Secretary of Labor, Julie Su during this national press conference. Our involvement in this event underscores the significant impact of West’s apprenticeship programs on individual careers.

Another highlight of our apprenticeship success story is seen through Cranston J. Shearer, Engineer Technician at our Jersey Shore site who recently received his associate’s degree at Penn College through the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Program. Cranston was the first journey worker who completed an apprenticeship program to take advantage of this online degree pathway provided by Penn College. Cranston is now mentoring others at West who are going through the same process. Cranston states, “The IMT Program helped me learn how to work and deal with the emotional intelligence found in others. My goal one day is to become a manager and help mentor others on this path.” Cranston is now currently working towards his bachelor’s degree in business management at Penn College.

In addition, we have also been represented at industry conferences. In June, Tiffany Loner-Diemer, Sr. Manager, L&D, and Heather Allison, Sr. Grant Administrator, shared the successes of the apprenticeship program at a national conference held in Pittsburgh. Their presentations focused on the tangible benefits apprenticeship programs bring to the industry, further solidifying West’s position as a leader in workforce development.

For more information on our apprenticeship programs and other career opportunities, visit our careers page.