Success at HYDAC starts with a company culture that empowers employees to collaborate and make positive changes in their workplace. We believe in developing well rounded employees. Like many manufacturing companies in Illinois, we are faced with finding workers in skilled trades as many skilled trade workers are approaching retirement age. Through our partnership with workNet DuPage, we have gained access to multiple funding streams to develop apprenticeships and have successfully developed new professionals for careers in the manufacturing industry.
This past school year we had a senior student who worked in our Manifold department as part of his career pathway training. The goal was to work with him to introduce him to the world of work, develop his interest in skill-based work, and engage a qualified talent pipeline. This experience has helped him to learn about the industry and determine if there is a potential career path that he would like to pursue. He recently ended his internship with us as he is preparing to attend college to pursue his mechanical engineering degree. In addition to the student intern, we also currently have three employees attending apprenticeship programs thru College of DuPage. We have one employee in the CNC Apprenticeship program, one in Manufacturing Apprenticeship program to develop his skills as CMM Programmer/Quality Technician, and one in the Maintenance Apprenticeship program starting this fall semester.
Participating in these apprenticeship programs has served several key purposes for our custom industry. They provide hands-on, practical experience in a specific trade or profession, allowing individuals to acquire skills and knowledge directly relevant to their field. The program offers a structured path from learning to employment the goal is to help to bridge the gap between education and employment while helping meet the demand for skilled workers in various industries.
By training individuals in these specific skills needed, these programs have ensured a steady supply of qualified professionals. I am honored to be a part of a company that has been recognized for our positive long-standing leadership in our community. I feel confident that we as a company will continue to grow and be a successful leader to our community.