WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM MANAGER
About The Position
We are seeking a Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Program Manager to lead and grow our skilled-trades workforce development programs for laborers and machinists. This role owns the design, delivery, documentation, and compliance of our new-employee immersion, mentorship, instructional training, and Department of Labor (DOL)-registered apprenticeship programs. This position is ideal for someone who has run programs end-to-end, is comfortable teaching and facilitating training, and understands how to keep programs audit-ready and grant-compliant while working directly with shop-floor employees. This position is not a fit for candidates focused primarily on recruiting, general HR, or administrative coordination without instructional or program ownership experience.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Workforce Development, Education, Manufacturing, HR, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years of experience in workforce development, training, apprenticeship administration, or related roles
- Experience teaching or facilitating adult learning programs
- Working knowledge of apprenticeship documentation and compliance requirements
- Working knowledge of manufacturing, machining, or skilled-trade environments
- Strong communication skills and comfort working on the manufacturing floor
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience administering a DOL-registered apprenticeship program
- Experience with grant-funded workforce initiatives
- Familiarity with SME CMfgA or similar manufacturing credentials
- Experience delivering Train-the-Trainer programs
- Bilingual (English/Polish) a plus
Responsibilities
- Own and continuously improve structured onboarding and immersion programs for production employees
- Ensure training activities are standardized, documented, and aligned with workforce grants and apprenticeship standards
- Serve as a primary point of contact for employees during early skill development and integration
- Build and manage a formal mentor program for skilled trades
- Design and teach Train-the-Trainer courses to prepare mentors for effective on-the-job instruction
- Set clear expectations, learning objectives, and accountability for mentors
- Track mentor and trainee progress using auditable documentation
- Act as the program owner for our DOL-registered apprenticeship program
- Manage apprentice enrollment, OJT tracking, related instruction (RTI), wage progression, and completions
- Maintain apprenticeship standards, work process schedules, and required records
- Prepare for and support DOL reviews, audits, and site visits
- Teach and facilitate foundational manufacturing and workplace skills courses
- Deliver instruction aligned with the SME Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) curriculum, as applicable
- Coordinate with external education or workforce partners when needed
- Maintain attendance records, assessments, and completion documentation
- Support workforce development grants by ensuring program activities meet defined scopes and deliverables
- Track and report required participation, training, and outcome metrics
- Assist with documentation for grant renewals, reporting, and audits
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Hire on Bonus
- 401k with company match
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition assistance
- Gain sharing bonuses
- Clean and safe manufacturing facility
- Weekly paychecks
- 10% 2nd Shift differential (in addition to hourly rate)
- Quarterly Food/Treats (Food Truck, Ice Cream, etc.)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
