PONTIAC, MI, November 13, 2018 – DASI Solutions is excited to announce the graduation of its first two grant-funded apprentices. The two individuals received their Journeyman’s Card and were celebrated during one of DASI’s annual SOLIDWORKS Launch Events last week.
In partnership with Focus: HOPE & JAMA (Jackson Area Manufacturers Association), DASI Solutions was awarded a Federal Grant - in the amount of $3 Million - as part of the American Apprenticeship Initiative. The purpose of the Initiative is to help close the growing skilled trades gap in Michigan by connecting employers with the next generation of skilled workers and preparing them for careers in the Advanced Manufacturing & Information Technology fields.
DASI’s Industrial Design Technician Apprenticeship Program was created to offer training & provide workers with advanced skillsets to meet the specific needs of employers. It is a 2-year program that combines classroom & on-the-job components, as well as a mentoring or “give-back” project to wrap up the final year.
The graduation took place just before the fourth annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), a week dedicated to celebrating all apprenticeships across the nation. NAW has grown exponentially over the past few years, and has really turned into a “movement”, with an average of 200,000 people attending nearly 2,000 events across 50 states each year! “These apprentices have worked hard taking classes and completing their Capstone Project over the past 2 years,” said Annette Norris, Early Engagement Manager at DASI. “We are pleased to award them with their US Department of Labor certified Certificate of Completion.”
Both individuals who graduated from DASI’s program have employment in the Technology field - one graduate being an Associate Professor – Business & Technology, and the other a Lead Mechanical Engineer for a major Robotics company. The DASI Apprenticeship Program was designed to be a flexible training option for CAD users in all walks of life, as shown in the diverse background of the recent graduates. The professor enrolled in the program to make sure his skills & curriculum are up to industry standards, so his students have the best chance for success within their field. The lead engineer had his master’s degree prior to enrolling but understood the opportunity that this apprenticeship offered. He was able to advance his skills within the software, becoming a subject matter expert within his department. The program is a great foundation of learning, with room to adapt to fit the industry’s and the individual’s needs.
“Apprenticeship programs are the catalyst for a hardworking and empowered workforce. A company that invests in training an employee, creates an employee who is invested in that company,” Adam Majkowski, Apprenticeship Specialist at DASI Solutions, explained.
To learn more about DASI’s Industrial Design Technician Apprenticeship Program, contact Annette Norris at annette@dasi-solutions.com.
