US Department of Labor Recognizes UNITED GRINDING North America as Apprenticeship Ambassador

UNITED GRINDING North America, a subsidiary of Swiss-based UNITED GRINDING Group, has been recognized as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Apprenticeship Ambassadors are helping to modernize Registered Apprenticeships by committing to sponsor promotional and training activities, conducting outreach to people from underrepresented populations, launching Registered Apprenticeship Programs, and hiring apprentices. 

As an Apprenticeship Ambassador, UNITED GRINDING North America, as well as other ambassadors in the program, benefit in several ways. Not only does the company gain national recognition, but it will grow its network of industry, workforce, education, equity, and labor apprenticeship champions where the organization can share best practices in its industry. Also, UNITED GRINDING North America now has the opportunity to partner with the DOL to shape Registered Apprenticeship expansion and diversification in the industry. 

“The Apprenticeship Ambassador initiative shows how a powerful national network can promote and expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs successfully for the benefit of workers, employers and communities nationwide,” says Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez. “We congratulate our Apprenticeship Ambassadors for their achievements and partnership and look forward to the continued growth of these programs with the help of our latest cohort of ambassadors.” 

UNITED GRINDING North America is one of 138 new organizations recognized as an Apprenticeship Ambassador this year. Since 2022, the DOL has recognized a total of 441 ambassadors to the program.

UNITED GRINDING North America continues into its second year of its established Apprenticeship Program. New to the organization’s 4-year program this year are Gunner Goldie, Brice Runyon, Brijaye Eaddy, and Brice Klapper. Second year apprentices resuming the program include LaShawn Crockett, Trent Saylor, Owen Johantges, and Nick Hoffmann.

Launched in July 2023, UNITED GRINDING North America’s Apprenticeship Program uses a hybrid approach to ensure that apprentices gain practical experience working with cutting-edge machinery while also receiving a comprehensive academic foundation.

Conducted in collaboration with Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, the Apprenticeship Program enables apprentices to earn a full scholarship for an associate’s degree in Automation & Control Technology with Robotics AMCT.S.AAS (Mechatronics) from Sinclair, while simultaneously gaining hands-on manufacturing experience in an active role at UNITED GRINDING North America. Apprentices also enjoy a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

“We are enthusiastic about entering into the second year of our Apprenticeship Program,” says Andreas Brockmann, Apprenticeship Coordinator at UNITED GRINDING North America. “With the support of Sinclair College and Apprentice Ohio, this 4-year training program helps create a strong future workforce for us and gives our apprentices valuable skills that will be the foundation of a successful career.”

By signing a 4-year contract to work for UNITED GRINDING North America, apprentices are paid $19.50 per hour, starting out, to learn to cut metal to minute tolerances, read schematics, and assemble and repair grinding machines. They receive company benefits, including 30 days paid time off each year and a 401(k) account. Sinclair tuition and expenses, including books, are also covered by UNITED GRINDING North America.

According to Brockmann, UNITED GRINDING North America is looking for young people for the Apprenticeship Program who can think on their feet and work with their hands. And while he is happy to work closely with apprentices, he appreciates quick learners who can work independently when the time is right.

To learn more about the DOL’s Apprenticeship Ambassadors Program, visit apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-ambassador-initiative/apprenticeship-ambassadors#U.

To learn more about the UNITED GRINDING North America Apprenticeship Program, visit grinding.com/en/about-us/our-team/apprenticeship-program/.

To learn more about National Apprenticeship Week, which occurs for one week in November each year, visit apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week.