Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Precision Tools (VPT), headquartered in Swanton, Vermont, a manufacturer of high quality precision medical bur blanks for the OEM medical industry, and Vermont HITEC, Inc, a non-profit organization dedicated to high-quality workforce development, has announced an education and apprenticeship program that will bring Machine Operator jobs to Vermont over the next several months. A Machine Operator is responsible for the operation of various cylindrical grinding machines as well as the operation of multiple computer controlled (CNC) equipment.
The program is a partnership between Vermont Precision Tools and Vermont HITEC. The program provides free education and one year of on-site mentoring through an apprenticeship at the VPT Swanton, Vermont location. The program is designed for unemployed and underemployed Vermont residents. Successful completion of the program will lead directly to full-time employment as a Machine Operator at the fast growing Vermont Precision Tools.
“Vermont HITEC is pleased to be partnering with Vermont Precision Tools to provide employment and training opportunities to individuals in northwestern Vermont,” said Steven Lutton, Executive Director of Vermont HITEC. “Our goal is to develop programs for employers that attract and train motivated individuals with the skills necessary to enter employment ready, able, and motivated to work at exceptional Vermont employers such as Vermont Precision Tools.”
Through an extensive recruitment process, up to twelve individuals will be selected for the eight-week education program. Upon graduation from the education program, participants will fill Machine Operator apprentice positions. All positions will receive full wages and benefits. Individuals selected will also participate in a one-year apprenticeship program administered by the Vermont Department of Labor and earn a Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Division upon successful completion.
“Vermont Precision Tools has been experiencing a steady and substantial surge in the demand for our products. As a result we are excited to offer dozens of new jobs with excellent pay and benefits,” said Monica Greene, President and CEO of Vermont Precision Tools. “This is a great opportunity to start a new career in advanced manufacturing, in our growing community!”
The pay scale for graduates of the VPT Machine Operator ITAR Program will start at $13.00 per hour. Apprentices will have the potential to earn $14.00 or more per hour after six months and $15.00 or more per hour upon the completion of a one-year apprenticeship and is based on performance. Overtime may be available, and the positions will also include a comprehensive benefits package as eligible.
“The Department of Labor’s mission is to help all Vermonters become successfully employed,” said Annie Noonan, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor. “Through Apprenticeship programs, like that developed by Vermont HITEC, participants receive the training, work experience and education that results in a good job with benefits.”
After successful completion of the eight-week education program, graduates will earn 24 college credits and be awarded a Certificate in Advanced Machine Tool Technology. Then, during their one-year registered apprenticeship, students will earn another 21 college credits. An additional 15 credits may be earned in general education courses at Burlington College, leading to a 60-credit individualized Associate of Arts degree in an Independent Major. All academic credits and credentials are awarded through Burlington College’s newly formed Institute for American Apprenticeships.
President Carol Moore said, "Burlington College has a history of educating working adults and experiential learning, and the Institute for American Apprenticeships continues this work. We are excited to provide Vermonters with the opportunity of a guaranteed job and completing a degree, which can further their careers."
The deadline for applications is January 11th, 2016. To apply, visit the Vermont HITEC website at www.vthitec.org and complete the online application. For more information or assistance, contact: Katy Bacon, ITAR Project Leader & Mentor via email: [email protected], or at 802-872-0660.
About Vermont Precision Tools, Inc.
Vermont Precision Tools, Inc. has provided customers with the highest quality products and service in the metalworking industry since 1968. To learn more about VPT, please visit http://www.vermontprecisiontools.com.
About Vermont HITEC, Inc.
Vermont HITEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to educate, train and employ Vermonters in a variety of fields. Vermont HITEC has employed over 650 Vermonters over the past fifteen years in the fields of healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing and business services partnering with over 20 Vermont businesses including University of Vermont Medical Center (formerly Fletcher Allen Health Care), Husky Injection Molding Systems, IDX Systems (now GE Healthcare), Dealer.com, Precyse Solutions, Triad Design Service and Vermont Information Processing. To learn more about Vermont HITEC, please visit http://www.vthitec.org.
About Burlington College
Burlington College is a small liberal arts college located on the shores of Lake Champlain. Home to first-generation college students, new Americans, and those looking for a close-knit community, the College is committed to small, discussion-based classes and experiential learning.