IFI Announces Groundbreaking Industry-Focused Apprenticeship 

The fasteners industry now has a new pathway for developing the skilled talent required by the more than 7,800 U.S. companies in this crucial manufacturing sector.

The Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) partnered with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) to develop a national apprenticeship framework that creates a standardized, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-approved pathway for ensuring worker skills and competencies match those required by 21^st century manufacturers.

“One of the biggest challenges fastener manufacturers face today is hiring and retaining skilled workers to run the machines used to produce fasteners,” said Daniel Walker, Managing Director of IFI. “Although fasteners may appear to be simple, producing them requires high precision, quality control and a lot of technical skill. Fastener production isn’t taught in school, so the training is primarily done on the job in a hands-on setting with trainees paired with veteran technicians.”

IFI and MAMC gathered input from a cross-section of fastener industry representatives to ensure the new two-year fastener technologist apprenticeship – which includes hot- and cold-heading occupations – aligns with industry needs and DOL standards. Apprentices who demonstrate certain competencies can reduce the number of hours required to achieve their DOL journeyworker certificate. 

MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works assists companies nationwide in developing and implementing these DOL-registered apprenticeships in more than 20 high-demand advanced manufacturing occupations. MAMC provides on-site train-the-trainer services, related online instruction, assists with recordkeeping and serves as a liaison with the DOL. Because Apprentice Works is funded entirely through a $7.1 million grant from the DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship – Employment and Training Administration, MAMC’s services are free to manufacturers.

“We are honored that IFI has chosen our proven apprenticeship model to help develop a pipeline of skilled talent for this important manufacturing sector,” said MAMC Director Derek Scarbro. “The fastener industry is a critical link in the supply chains of key sectors, from automotive and aerospace to defense. Creating a highly qualified workforce is imperative to strengthening American manufacturing.”

Walker said the new DOL-registered apprenticeship offers a uniform training model, something that had been missing in the fastener industry. 

“Some individual companies had created their own in-house training programs with varying success, but this program is different because it was developed by a committee with input from a broad cross-section of industry players so that everyone will be able to use it,” he said. “The advantage for companies is they get a common framework for how to train their next generation workforce. The advantage for apprentices is they will be earning money to learn on-the-job and acquiring transferable skills. A structured apprenticeship program professionalizes this line of work. It raises the profile of the skilled people who choose to make a living working with their hands by helping them to apply the skills they learn and provide a living wage for life. Apprenticeships ultimately lead to a well-paid career and job security.”

To learn more about how Apprenticeship Works can help your company overcome workforce challenges, visit www.mfg.marshall.edu/industry/apprenticeships or contact MAMC Director of Workforce Development Carol Howerton at 304-781-1680 or carol.howerton@mfg.marshall.edu.

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About IFI:
The Industrial Fasteners Institute is the leading voice representing the interests of the North American manufacturers of mechanical fasteners and formed parts, as well as the key suppliers to the industry, fostering their working together to shape the future of the industry. IFI represents the industry to its suppliers, customers, the government, and the public-at-large to advance the competitiveness, products, and innovative technology of the Member Companies in a global marketplace. Learn more about IFI and its membership at www.indfast.org.

About MAMC:
For 35 years, the Marshall University Advanced Manufacturing Center (www.mfg.marshall.edu) has delivered innovative solutions with leading-edge technology to advance manufacturing and entrepreneurship across the United States. MAMC’s comprehensive array of services includes access to more than $24 million in advanced manufacturing technology, quality implementation, workforce development solutions and supply chain connections.