HIGH SCHOOL GRADS GET PAID WHILE THEY LEARN IN GROB APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Most high school juniors and seniors prepare for their future by entering college or the workforce. What few realize is that the right high school graduate can have both. 

Apprenticeships can offer high school graduates opportunities to be paid while they learn. The GROB Systems, Inc., Bluffton, apprenticeship program allow apprentices to earn an associate degree and be trained to enter its highly-skilled workforce. 

The next selection process for GROB’s apprentice program takes place in March. Details on the class are at the bottom of this story.

“Too often, factory jobs are overlooked as a possible career choice.  GROB is not the stereotypical assembly plant that comes to mind when you think of manufacturing,” Grob officials told The Icon. 

“But, with our longstanding apprenticeship program, GROB makes great strides in developing a skilled and educated workforce,” they added.

GROB is a manufacturing facility that uses advanced technology to build state-of-the-art equipment for its customers. 

It offers a quality product thanks to a complete manufacturing process located in one facility.  GROB engineers its equipment in-house, and has the expertise to build products from the ground up. 

This involves CNC machining, fabrication, mechanical and electrical assembly and installation at the customer’s site, plus troubleshooting machine start-up.

GROB Systems’ apprenticeship program began in 1990.  Since then, GROB 224 persons have participated in its mechanical and electrical apprenticeship program.  

Of the nearly 355 persons currently employed by GROB Systems, Bluffton, 124 are apprentices who have completed or are enrolled in the program. These include three managers, seven supervisors and five foremen. 

“GROB is proud to have such a program in place.  Not only do we train our workforce, but we continuing to strengthen the manufacturing presence in Ohio,” they said.

“In 2012, we modified the program, shifting from a trade-journeymen oriented platform to an associate degreed curriculum, they added. “Our apprentices are registered with Rhodes State College in its Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program.” 

This program prepares students for technician-level jobs in the world of robots, computerized numerical controlled machines, computer-aided drafting and design, automated warehousing systems and a flexible manufacturing network. 

Driving the curriculum is a combination of courses from Mechanical Engineering Technology and the Electronic Engineering Technology programs including four flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and technical studies courses. 

“Our four-year apprenticeship program provides students a hands-on environment.  Each student rotates through various manufacturing and assembly areas of the GROB Systems production facility,” said GROB officials, adding that this is the key to developing a well-rounded technician who has a strong technical foundation to build a career on. 

“This hands-on approach is essential for the students to learn and understand GROB’s working practices.  In addition, the apprentices receive a free education while working and earning an income,” said the GROB officials.

GROB’s apprentice class selection process
To be eligible for GROB Systems’ apprenticeship program, candidates must be high school graduates, 18 years of age by June 1, 2014, and must be able to pass an aptitude test. 
GROB’s selection process for the next apprentice class of starts with testing from March 17 through March 22.  To register for a test date and time, go to http://apprentice.grobsystems.com and complete the online form. 

For more information, contact Mike Hawk, Training Supervisor, at 419-358-9015 or [email protected]. 

As GROB begins the search for new apprentices, it also welcome resumes for mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, machinists, fabricators, mechanical technicians and electrical technicians. Resumes may be submitted to [email protected].

About GROB Systems
GROB Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer of machine tool equipment, primarily for the automotive industry.  It is a subsidiary of GROB-Werke GmbH & Co. KG, Mindelheim, Germany. 

GROB Systems started its operations in Bluffton, in 1991. The GROB Group has manufacturing facilities in Germany, Brazil, United States and China.  In addition of these sites, GROB has sales and service facilities globally. The GROB Group in whole employs approximately 4,200 employees worldwide.