Feb. 16, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. We are introducing students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.
In the summer of 2018, Wrindy Hauser decided to move south from the Upper Peninsula.
“I moved to the big city for better job opportunities and I found that at Autocam Medical. I was hired as a machinist level 1 in September 2018,” she said.
After about a year, it was suggested that Hauser apply to the Autocam Apprenticeship program.
An apprenticeship program is a partnership between an employer, in this case Autocam Medical, and an educational institution, GRCC. The program offers the combined benefits of on-the-job training plus college instruction. Apprentices gain both practical experience and exposure to the theoretical aspects of skilled occupations.
Hauser started her apprenticeship program in the summer 2019.
“I had worked as a machinist prior to coming to Autocam so I was able to apply many of those hours toward the required 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Still the program takes about two and a half years but it’s totally worth it,” she said.
“The program was actually a lot of fun! Only one hour of each week is spent in a classroom setting; the rest is all hands-on learning. We made some cool projects and were able to be creative too. When our instructor told the class about a competition for machinist, I knew I had to do it. I guess I’m a little competitive!”
Hauser and another apprentice worked together on a submission to the 2021 Mastercam Wildest Parts Competition. The two worked countless hours to create their own design and build a custom Mjollnir.
“We came up with our own design and even a stand for it to sit in. Then we had to do all the programming to make it. There were many days that we worked straight through to our shift at Autocam just to get it done in time.”
Hauser and her teammate won first place in the team division!
“We wanted to make something that would get people excited about machining and it did!” she said.
Companies work with GRCC to create their own list of apprenticeship courses; which are then submitted and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeships. Typically, an apprentice is required to have a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in addition to successfully complete 30 credit hours in the technology area to be eligible to receive their journey-person’s certificate.
Hauser graduated in November 2021 and is now a journeyman.
“Since graduation, I have been able to really grow and learn more. I am currently a machinist level 3 and working toward the next level which is machine technician,” she said. “I wake up happy to come to work. There are always new things to learn either about the machine or about the product.”
CNC machinists are in high demand. The jobs in the industry pay well and offer many upward pathways to increase that wage. Machinist-computer numerical control technicians shape metal and various materials to precise dimensions by using machine tools.
MT/CNC technicians plan and set up the correct sequence of machine operations in accordance with blueprints, layouts or other instructions to write both manual and computer-generated machine programs. The technician is required to use various hand tools, micrometers, gauges and other precision measuring instruments.
To be most effective in the manufacturing environment of today, individuals will need to be able to read blueprints, perform basic shop math, read measurement tools and communicate effectively with others using today's machine tool-CNC terminology.
Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training.