SCHOTT Launches U.S. Apprenticeship Program to Build Next Generation of Manufacturers

Nine apprentices will work at SCHOTT’S Duryea facility while studying at local schools and online to earn certification in one of three trades

DURYEA, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SCHOTT North America, Inc. today announced its pilot U.S. apprenticeship program at its Duryea production facility. For two to three years, an inaugural class of nine apprentices will work full time in the Duryea plant, receive full benefits, and take classes both in person and online through partnerships with local schools. With its apprenticeship program, SCHOTT, a high-technology company and specialty glass producer, is actively working to rejuvenate American manufacturing and create jobs by offering young people a combination of practical experience and classroom training to instill specialized skills that will serve our apprentices as they pursue their careers.

“Many high school and college graduates are struggling to find a good job with a living wage”

The nine apprentices in Duryea, culled from 250 applications, can learn one of three tracks of trades—glass operator generalist, mason-metalsmith, and maintenance-machinist—as they work toward journeyman certification. In selecting candidates, SCHOTT continued its proud tradition of supporting our troops by selecting four veterans for the program. In addition, two of the apprentices continue a family tradition—their fathers currently work for SCHOTT.

“Many high school and college graduates are struggling to find a good job with a living wage,” said Anne Marie Martin, HR Specialist at SCHOTT. “Too many are caught in the Catch-22 that is often the hiring process: to find work, they need experience, but they can only gain experience from working. SCHOTT’s apprenticeship program slices through this contradiction and offers nine trainees an opportunity to learn a valuable trade while working full time with benefits. At the same time, SCHOTT gains a new generation of skilled workers to build on our 125 years of producing the world’s top glasses and materials, and advanced technologies.”

The SCHOTT apprenticeship program is based on the German model of apprenticeship, in which young people learn technical skills on the job while spending additional time in classrooms to supplement their experiential learning. SCHOTT’s German facilities welcome new apprentices each year.

As manufacturing technology evolves, younger generations bring a natural adaptability to such equipment that serves as a valuable base on which to build specialized, technical skills. This natural talent makes the next generation of workers essential to revitalizing American manufacturing. The SCHOTT apprenticeship program will combine this adaptability with time-honored glass and high-tech manufacturing processes to create new opportunities for our apprentices to pursue successful careers.

SCHOTT plans to establish apprenticeship programs at their other manufacturing facilities throughout the US.

About SCHOTT

SCHOTT is an international technology group with more than 125 years of experience in the areas of specialty glasses and materials and advanced technologies. SCHOTT ranks number one in the world with many of its products. Its core markets are the household appliance, pharmaceuticals, electronics, optics, solar power, transportation and architecture industries. The company is strongly committed to contributing to its customers’ success and making SCHOTT an important part of people’s lives with high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is committed to managing its business in a sustainable manner and supporting its employees, society and the environment. The SCHOTT Group maintains close proximity to its customers with manufacturing and sales units in all major markets. Its workforce of around 17,000 employees generated worldwide sales of $4 billion (approximately 2.9 billion euros) for the 2010/2011 fiscal year.

Press Resources:
SCHOTT North America website: http://www.apicasystems.com
SCHOTT North America on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apicasystems
SCHOTT North America’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/schottpr
SCHOTT North America’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SCHOTTUSA
SCHOTT North America Online Press Room: http://www.us.schott.com/english/news/