Manufacturer’s Apprentice Selections All Had Jobs
As it turns out, having a job—any job—is a strong indicator of success.
Share




Is a fast-food job good preparation for a career in manufactuing? It turns out that potentially any job is. Britney Heil, seen here, is one of the first recent high school graduates to be recruited into the new manufacturing apprenticeship program at Alphatec Spine in Carlsbad, California. Six graduating high school seniors were carefully considered for admission to this program, but only three were hired. Ms. Heil had been working at a fast-food restaurant previously. Alphatec chose her and two others after personally meeting with all of the finalists. It then discovered what the three who had been chosen all had in common, and what the three who had not been chosen all lacked. Namely: a job. It seems that having a job—any job—is a strong indicator of success, helping to develop the poise, confidence and interpersonal engagement that can make a young person an attractive candidate for a more career-oriented job later.
Related Content
-
Shop Tour Video: You've Never Seen a Manufacturing Facility Like This
In the latest installment of our “View From My Shop” series, explore Marathon Precision’s multi-process approach to manufacturing, where blacksmiths and hand-forged dies meet state-of-the-art CNC machining. Discover how restoring classic muscle cars and building custom art projects creates a dynamic shop culture — and draws top talent to this unique and innovative metalworking facility.
-
Finding the Right Tools for a Turning Shop
Xcelicut is a startup shop that has grown thanks to the right machines, cutting tools, grants and other resources.
-
In Moldmaking, Mantle Process Addresses Lead Time and Talent Pool
A new process delivered through what looks like a standard machining center promises to streamline machining of injection mold cores and cavities and even answer the declining availability of toolmakers.