1. NASG Apprenticeship Program Structure

2. Department of Labor
Our program is a registered program with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
We are considered a “hybrid” program that uses competences and time to complete the program.
The registration requires that standards be written and approved by the Department of Labor.
Standards include a list of NIMS credentials to be obtained during the duration of the program (4 years – approx hrs).

3. Department of Labor – cont.
Standards also include a complete outline of the R.T.I. (Related Theory Instruction) to be completed during the duration of the program. (576 hours or 144 hours/year is the D.O.L. program minimum).
We train a minimum of 5 hours/week for approximately 47 weeks a year yielding about 235 hours/year (940 hrs/program completion).

4. Outline of Related Theory Instruction
Instruction based on information in: Precision Machining Technology Textbook 2nd Edition.
Introduction to Machining
Introduction to machining
Careers in machining
Workplace skills
Measurement, Material and Safety
Introduction to safety
Measurement Systems and Machine Tool Math Overview
Semi-Precision Measurement
Precision Measurement
Quality Assurance, Process Planning and Quality Control
Metal Composition and Classification
Heat Treatment of Metals
Maintenance, Lubrication and Cutting Fluid Overview

5. Outline of Related Theory Instruction – cont.
Instruction based on information in: Precision Machining Technology Textbook 2nd Edition.
Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout
Understanding Drawings
Layout
Hand Tools
Saws and Cutoff Machines
Offhand Grinding
Drilling, Threading, Tapping, and Reaming
Drill Press
Introduction to the Drill Press
Tools, Toolholding, and Workholding for the Drill Press
Drill Press Operations

6. Outline of Related Theory Instruction – cont.
Instruction based on information in: Precision Machining Technology Textbook 2nd Edition.
Turning
Introduction to the Lathe
Workholding and Toolholding Devices for the Lathe
Machining Operations on the Lathe
Manual Lathe Threading
Taper Turning
Milling
Introduction to the Vertical Milling Machine
Tools, Toolholding and Workholding for the Vertical Milling Machine
Vertical Milling Machine Operations
Indexing and Rotary Table Operations
Grinding
Introduction to Precision Grinding Machines
Grinding Wheels for Precision Grinding
Surface Grinding Operations

7. Outline of Related Theory Instruction
Instruction based on information in: Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching Textbook 9th Edition.
Blueprint Reading
Lines
Views
Dimensions and Notes
The SI Metric System
Sections
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Working Drawings
Technical Sketching
Sketching Lines and Basic Forms
Freehand Lettering
Technical Sketching: Pictorial Drawings

8. Outline of Related Theory Instruction
Instruction created at NASG to teach Die Construction and Maintenance.
Types of Stamping Dies
Station Dies
Compound Dies
Progressive Dies
Transfer Dies
Basic Die Construction
Die Sets
Guiding Components
Punch Details
Die Details
Strippers
Springs and Cylinders
Stock Guides and Locators

9. Outline of Related Theory Instruction
Instruction created at NASG to teach Die Construction and Maintenance.
Types of Stamping Dies
Station Dies
Compound Dies
Progressive Dies
Transfer Dies
Basic Die Construction
Die Sets
Guiding Components
Punch Details
Die Details
Strippers
Springs and Cylinders
Stock Guides and Locators
Fundamentals of Die Design
Part Prints
Bend Allowances
Strip Layout
Press Bed Layouts and Specifications
Die Set Sizing
Punches, Pilots and Retainers
Die Sections, Buttons, Lifters, Stock Guides and Heel Blocks
Cam Systems
Shut Heights and Timing
Strippers
Maintenance
Basic Sharpening
Basic Form Timing
Cutting Clearances
Reading End Strips
Troubleshooting
Die Inspections

10. Department of Labor NIMS
The Department of Labor “Rapids” website is used to report progress and make changes to apprentice status and pay.
NIMS
We work with the “National Institute for Metalworking Skills” (NIMS) to gain credentials that prove competencies during the term of the program.
Competencies require classroom study, completion of a shop project and a theory test.
Projects require inspection from an unbiased source (MET-TEC or T.S. / I.S.O Certified Quality Department.
Tests are taken on-line and results are reported immediately.
Credentials for the certified Tool and Die Maker Program include:
Six machining Level I credentials
Four machining Level II credentials
Diemaking II
Diemaking III

11. NASG Content
Along with NIMS content NASG teaches other material designed to develop problem solving skills in apprentices.
Examples of this are:
Shop math and trigonometry every week throughout the program
Blueprint reading and sketching using a textbook
Mechanical drafting using a drafting board and instruments
Basic 2D CAD classes (after basic drafting has been taught)
Die type and construction practices
Die design fundamentals
Die maintenance
Various shop projects that demonstrate different processes and leave the apprentice with tools that can be used throughout their career

12. Wonderlic Testing
When we decided to add a new class to our program we desired to find an objective way to choose candidates from a pool of incumbent employees and from outside the company.
We worked with Wonderlic to create a three part evaluation test for all candidates.
The first part of the test is a timed test that measures cognitive ability, mechanical reasoning and abstract thinking.
The second part of the test gauges the motivational potential of the candidates or “drivers’ as Wonderlic puts it.
The third part of the test evaluates the candidates personality and how that personality would fit within a program such as ours.
On March 1st of this year we started a new class populated with students that were chosen passed on this testing and the results are very encouraging.
They appear to be very quick learners that display a desire to learn new things. They work extremely well together as a team.

13. Program Capacity NASG currently has 11 apprentices in the program.
Apprentices are spread over three separate classes.
All apprentices work at least five days a week on first shift.
Each apprentice clocks out to train for 5 hours once day a week.
Supervision in the shop is accomplished using two full time apprentice trainers in the early stages and then journey workers as apprentices develop.
All classroom training is done by the training manager.

14. Capacity Constraints
Access to shop equipment without interfering with production needs.
Recurring access to a training room that is conducive to learning.
Overloading the shop with under-skilled labor each time a new class forms.
The length of the program (4 years).

15. Countermeasures Created a dedicated apprentice shop.
Approximately 1,350 square feet of floor space.
(2) New 14 x 40 Summit Lathes.
(2) New 10 x 50 Summit Milling Machines.
(2) New 6 x 18 Okamoto Surface Grinders.
(2) New 20” Clausing Drill Presses.
(2) Large Steel Work Tables lbs) with Wilton Vises and an Arbor Press.
(2) 24 x 36 Surface Plates with Stands and with Height Gages and Indicators.
(2) Baldor Bench Grinders and Stands.
(2) Belt / Disc Sanding Machine.
All necessary accessories for each machine (tool holders, adapters, chucks, drills, vises, clamp sets, angle plates, spin fixtures, etc).

16. Countermeasures
Created a dedicated training room

17. Countermeasures
Exploring ways to expedite the training / skills of beginning apprentices.
Looking at possibility front loading some Related Theory Instruction to give apprentices usable skills quicker.
Looking at programs offered at various technical schools to see if they can be of use to NASG.
Taking steps to expand our program to our other divisions.

18. Grant Money
We secured a $25,000 grant in 2016 through Workforce Essentials.
Since then we have been unable to find any additional external funding.
NIMS and Workforce Essentials both have grant money from the Department of Labor but we are being told it can only be used for apprenticeship startup.

19. Cost of Program Cost of New Shop and Training Room Payroll Costs
$182,000
Payroll Costs
Training Manager, 2 Trainers, 11 Apprentices. $1,032,739
Ongoing Costs
Supplies, Occupancy, Depreciation, Equipment Maintenance, Management Oversight. $97,321
Total Ongoing Program Cost
$1,130,060

20. NASG Apprenticeship Program Timeline of Program and Wage Scale
Apprenticeship Year
Apprentice Level
Approximate Hours
Required NIMS Credential
Wage Per Scale
YEAR 1
Level 1
0-1000
Measurement, Materials and Safety, Job Planning, Benchwork and Layout
Level 2
Drill Press Skills
YEAR 2
Level 3
Manual Milling Skills 1 Grinding Skills 1
Level 4
Turning Operations: Turning / Chucking 1
YEAR 3
Level 5
Manual Milling Skills 2 Surface Grinding Skills
Level 6
Turning Operations: Turning / Chucking 2 Cylindrical Grinding Skills
YEAR 4
Level 7
Die Making Level 2
Level 8
Die Making Level 3
Level 8 Plus Six Months
Probationary Period