Tag: Clemco Industries

Clemco Employees Thrive Through ECC’s IMT Apprenticeship

June 25, 2024 | Campus News

Two Clemco Industries employees recently completed the Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) apprenticeship program and are already experiencing the positive impact on their careers.

In February, Washington residents Gabe Altemeyer and Caleb Gildehaus completed the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) IMT apprenticeship through East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development. They both earned an Industrial Engineering Technology Certificate of Achievement from ECC, as well as DOL IMT Certificates of Completion.

Altemeyer said he has already seen the substantial impact of the apprenticeship program on his career and noted the ease of starting the program, thanks to the support from Clemco advisors and Melissa Richards, CWD Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator.

Altemeyer gained valuable skills, including wiring, programming, schematic reading, and the use of motors and drives.

“I also learned to problem-solve using different methods,” he shared. “The biggest strength for me was the labs. Working on something physical and seeing operations is the best way for me to learn.”

The structured program not only provided clear expectations but also accommodated Altemeyer’s work schedule, allowing time off to attend classes and complete his studies. He noted that his journey into the apprenticeship program began with a conversation with his supervisor and HR person, leading to meetings with Richards to explore available programs.

Caleb Gildehaus

With three years at Clemco, Gildehaus found the program easy to begin through the partnership between Clemco and ECC. He quickly signed up and began learning essential skills like reading wiring schematics, understanding electrical concepts, pneumatics, PLC programming, and robotics.

Gildehaus said anyone interested in industrial work, machinery, or maintenance should consider this apprenticeship to cultivate growth in their own careers.

“The instructors are all very knowledgeable in the field of industrial engineering and maintenance. They have practical experience as well as theory-based knowledge to back up their skills,” Gildehaus explained.

The program’s structure allowed Gildehaus to balance work and study effectively, providing a clear roadmap to success.

“The program fit very well around my workday to allow me to get my working hours in as well as my homework and class work done,” he noted.

Both Altemeyer and Gildehaus’s stories underscore the value of the Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship program. Their experiences highlight how such initiatives can enhance employees’ skills, advance their careers, and contribute to the growth and success of their companies.

Impact of CWD Programs

CWD apprenticeship programs do more than just improve productivity—they also enhance the bottom line for companies, offering opportunities for tax credits and employee benefits.

Currently, ECC offers DOL-registered apprenticeship programs in various technical occupations, including Industrial Engineering Technology, Welding, Precision Machining, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Richards emphasized the extensive reach of DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, which span over 1,000 occupations and continue to grow. These apprenticeships are accessible to both union and non-union organizations.

“We have excelled in technical apprenticeships for over five years, and we are now expanding to register more apprenticeship occupations in health care and information technology,” she stated.

The CWD is at the forefront of creating industry-leading and adaptable training solutions to meet both national and local needs. It’s important to note that for every $1 invested in an apprenticeship, employers can expect approximately $1.50 in return on investment, Richards added.

For more information about apprenticeship programs, contact the ECC CWD at Training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800, or visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

ECC Boot Camp Teaches Skills to Begin a Career in Manufacturing

September 24, 2021 | Campus News

For Rebecca Bruton, a recent manufacturing boot camp at East Central College opened her eyes to potential employers, and even landed her a job with one.

Bruton, of Washington, was one of six participants in ECC’s Center for Workforce Development’s Pre-apprenticeship Manufacturing Boot Camp program held this summer.

“My incentive to enroll in the boot camp was to learn new skills and qualities to help me become more valuable to potential employers,” she said.

Bruton, 20, is a 2019 St. Francis Borgia Regional High School graduate. She noted that touring the local industries participating in the boot camp was a great benefit.

“I enjoyed touring the employer partners’ plants because seeing their employees working helped me visualize myself working there too,” she added.

The manufacturing boot camp enrollees visited several local industries to gain a better understanding of the manufacturing industry and discuss job opportunities at the companies.

In fact, following the boot camp, Bruton applied and was hired by Clemco Industries Corp. as a shipping apprentice where she is training to be a puller/packer.

“The soft skills I learned gave me an advantage over other applicants because they are valuable to all employers,” she commented. “My career goal is to work for a strong, well-established company, like Clemco, in a position that I enjoy and allows me to continue to grow and strengthen my skills.”

According to Bruton, the CWD boot camp could benefit anyone looking for a career in manufacturing, and the opportunity came at no cost.

“Everyone I met was welcoming and encouraging and genuinely wanted to see me and the other participants succeed. I liked that the camp guaranteed interviews with the employer partners,” Bruton added. “The boot camp was also free, which was a bonus for me.”

For more information, contact the Center for Workforce Development at training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800. The manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program website is https://www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/pre-apprenticeship-program/.

College Partners with Clemco to Offer MIG Welding Classes

April 2, 2015 | Campus News

East Central College is partnering with Clemco Industries to provide an Introduction to MIG Welding program. On Wednesday, March 25, ECC’s Center for Workforce Development awarded certificates of completion to participants in the first Introduction to MIG Welding program held at the Washington manufacturer.

Five students completed the eight-week program. The training included OSHA10 certification, a National Career Readiness certificate, and five weeks of welding instruction.

Arnie Sallaberry, president of Clemco Industries, says Clemco is proud to be part of East Central’s MIG welding training program. “East Central has become a valued partner in so many aspects of our business and this program is just one more example of how ECC has worked hard to connect with the needs of local manufacturers.”

Mardy Leathers, executive director of ECC’s Center for Workforce Development, says the response to the program has been tremendous. “We are offering this program at four locations in our service area and we’re at capacity. In fact, we are considering expanding the program at Clemco to meet the high demand.”

The Introduction to MIG Welding program is funded by Missouri Manufacturing WINs, a U.S. Department of Labor grant-funded program that serves Trade Act participants as well as veterans, unemployed and underemployed individuals, and low-skilled persons in Missouri in manufacturing-related programs.

The MoManufacturingWINs program provides qualified students with low-cost or no-cost training in high-demand, high-growth industries at proven training institutions such as ECC. Personal assistance is provided along the way from trained, professional career coaches and other college staff. In addition, recognized certifications such as the National Career Readiness Certificate can be obtained, giving students opportunities to enhance their employability and competitiveness in the job market.

The welding program will be offered every eight weeks throughout the year at Clemco Industries on Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday evenings. Registrations are now being accepted for upcoming classes. Qualified students will need to pay a $40 fee and supply certain materials. The program is being offered at several locations in the area in addition to Clemco.

Five people recently completed the Introduction to MIG Welding class offered at Clemco Industries through a grant program administered by East Central College. Shown, front row, from left are Chris Helsene, Justin Orf, and Lou Ann Feldmann (Clemco Industries). In back, from left, are Kody Fleming (instructor), Larry Wilken, Justin Spencer and Kristever Blair.

This workforce solution is funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.