Trelleborg Medical Solutions has announced the launch of its certified toolmaker apprenticeship programme in Delano, Minnesota, US.
During the four-year program, participants will learn to construct, troubleshoot and repair moulds, fixtures and related tools under the guidance of experienced mentors. Trelleborg will hire graduates as Toolmaker, Class B or Machinist, with eligibility for promotion to Toolmaker, Class A.
Trelleborg anticipates the apprenticeship will raise awareness and interest amongst those seeking a challenging trade opportunity.
Chris Tellers, Innovation Center and New Product Development Director said: “Many high schools don’t offer robust trade programmes and most people don’t know what it means to be a toolmaker. It’s a very technologically advanced line of work that takes perseverance and a willingness to learn.”
The programme also serves as a great addition to Minnesota’s growing MedTech landscape. Kevin Ehlert, Business Unit President of Medical Device Solutions Americas said: “Trelleborg is in the heart of Medical Alley in Minnesota and our toolmaker apprenticeship will continue to strengthen the state as a MedTech leader.”
The programme not only provides opportunities for those interested in a skilled trade but also enables Trelleborg to strengthen its goal of being an innovative partner for customers. “We want to continue delivering the value customers have come to expect. When we talk about providing speed to market and cutting-edge capabilities, it starts with tools and people who know how to build them,” explains Ehlert.
Additionally, newly trained toolmakers will help Trelleborg provide multiple services to customers under one roof. Tellers added: “Some companies partner with independent tool houses overseas. We are making a strategic investment to provide most of our services in-house. We want to own the design and control the quality of the tool to ensure we pass on the highest quality of products to our customers. The toolmakers who graduate through this apprenticeship programme will help us do that.”
Trelleborg also plans to expand its footprint at its Delano, Minnesota facility to take on larger projects and accelerate the design and development cycle for customers. As part of the expansion, Trelleborg will add additional Swiss machining tools that will require the talents of skilled toolmakers.
The apprenticeship program will include mentoring and training in the following areas:
- Tool building and mould maintenance
- Computer numerical control (CNC) and electrical discharge machining
- Tool design and automation
- Mould processing and operations
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software
- Quality
- Safety
