TODAY’S MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS: Autocam Medical’s Apprentice Program Puts Students on Career Path

/in , , /by

Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices, presented 11 students with certificates of completion for their CNC Machinist Apprentice Program during a November 10th ceremony at the AMP Lab at Western Michigan University in Grand Rapids.

The event, recognizing the company’s fourth class of graduates, was kicked off with a few words of motivation and inspiration by John Kennedy, IV, General Manager of Autocam Medical, and Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).

The year-round program requires students to complete over 700 hours of classroom instruction over a period of 90 weeks. Apprentices are employed by Autocam Medical, maintaining a full work schedule during the training period. In addition to CNC Machinist certification, the course of study also covers the necessary schooling required by the Federal Department of Labor for students to receive a certified Journeyman card and puts them on the path to receive an associate degree, earning 27 college credits.

The Grand Rapids Community College instructor, Andy Beach, an industry veteran with over 20 years of relevant hands-on experience, emphasized the program’s benefits, “Autocam Medical’s Apprentice Program is a win-win; it’s a win for the skilled trades industry and a win for the students,” says Beach. “The students gain skills that put them on a career path with unlimited opportunity, and it helps build a ready workforce for the manufacturing industry, which is starving for CNC Machinists.”

As part of their training, students are challenged to machine two intricate objects. These finished projects are reflective of the caliber of machinists produced by the program. In fact, two graduates, Wrindy Hauser and Ethan Richey, recently won a first-place prize in Mastercam’s global Master of CAM Wildest Parts Machining Competition in the Teams Division for a Thor’s Hammer they machined.

Continue reading at Today’s Medical Developments…

GRBJ: Autocam Medical Apprentices Join the Next Generation of CNC Machinists

/in , , /by

The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP) Lab has churned out another group of CNC machinists from its apprenticeship program.

Kentwood-based Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices, said Dec. 3 it presented 11 students with certificates of completion for their computer numerical control (CNC) machinist apprentice program during a Nov. 10 ceremony at the AMP Lab @ Western Michigan University in Grand Rapids.

The event, recognizing the company’s fourth class of graduates, included a few words of motivation and inspiration by John Kennedy IV, general manager of Autocam Medical, and Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College.

The year-round program requires students to complete over 700 hours of classroom instruction over a period of 90 weeks. Apprentices are employed by Autocam Medical, maintaining a full work schedule during the training period. In addition to CNC machinist certification, the course of study also covers the necessary schooling required by the U.S. Department of Labor for students to receive a certified journeyman card and puts them on the path to receive an associate degree, earning 27 college credits.

GRCC instructor Andy Beach, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, said the program has many benefits.

Continue reading at GRBJ…

DBUSINESS: Autocam Medical Apprentice Program Helps To Fill Skilled Trades Pipeline

/in , , /by

Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices in Grand Rapids, presented 11 students with certificates of completion for their CNC Machinist Apprentice Program during a November ceremony at the AMP Lab at Western Michigan University in Grand Rapids.

The year-round program requires students to complete more than 700 hours of classroom instruction over a period of 90 weeks. Apprentices are employed by Autocam Medical, maintaining a full work schedule during the training period. In addition to CNC Machinist certification, the course of study also covers the necessary schooling required by the Federal Department of Labor for students to receive a certified journeyman card and puts them on the path to receive an associate degree, earning 27 college credits.

“Autocam Medical’s Apprentice Program is a win-win,” says Andy Beach, a Grand Rapids Community College instructor. “It’s a win for the skilled trades industry and a win for the students. The students gain skills that put them on a career path with unlimited opportunity, and it helps build a ready workforce for the manufacturing industry, which is starving for CNC Machinists.”

To keep up with Autocam Medical’s dramatic growth in West Michigan, the company will be expanding its footprint with a new plant in Kentwood. The new expansion will create 250 jobs and they will be increasing their hiring efforts over the next year.

Continue reading at DBusiness…

Autocam Medical Recognizes Latest Apprenticeship Program Graduates

/in , /by

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—(December 1, 2021) — Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices, presented 11 students with certificates of completion for their CNC Machinist Apprentice Program during a November 10th ceremony at the AMP Lab at Western Michigan University in Grand Rapids.

The event, recognizing the company’s fourth class of graduates, was kicked off with a few words of motivation and inspiration by John Kennedy, IV, General Manager of Autocam Medical, and Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).

The year-round program requires students to complete over 700 hours of classroom instruction over a period of 90 weeks. Apprentices are employed by Autocam Medical, maintaining a full work schedule during the training period. In addition to CNC Machinist certification, the course of study also covers the necessary schooling required by the Federal Department of Labor for students to receive a certified Journeyman card and puts them on the path to receive an associate degree, earning 27 college credits.

The Grand Rapids Community College instructor, Andy Beach, an industry veteran with over 20 years of relevant hands-on experience, emphasized the program’s benefits, “Autocam Medical’s Apprentice Program is a win-win; it’s a win for the skilled trades industry and a win for the students,” said Beach. “The students gain skills that put them on a career path with unlimited opportunity, and it helps build a ready workforce for the manufacturing industry, which is starving for CNC Machinists,” said Beach.

As part of their training, students are challenged to machine two intricate objects. These finished projects are reflective of the caliber of machinists produced by the program. In fact, two graduates, Wrindy Hauser and Ethan Richey, recently won a first-place prize in Mastercam’s global Master of CAM Wildest Parts Machining Competition in the Teams Division for a Thor’s Hammer they machined.

“Our program is quite uncommon. In addition to the specialized training that our students receive, we pay for 100% of their college tuition and provide them with a full-time job while they are receiving training,” said Kristy White, HR Director for Autocam Medical. “The unique Apprenticeship Program is a key reason the company was named the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s EPIC Award winner in the Excellence in Business category this year (https://grbj.com/news/economic-development/grand-rapids-chamber-honors-epic-award-winners-2/),” she added.

Autocam Medical has been built around investing in employees and their growth within a culture that trusts and respects every individual. The company’s success is dependent on the knowledge that employees bring to the team every day. Not only does Autocam Medical offer employees educational opportunities where tuition is 100% paid for, but they also offer competitive salaries, quarterly bonus incentives, a generous 401K match, and a premium-free health plan.

To keep up with Autocam Medical’s dramatic growth in West Michigan, the company will be expanding its footprint with a new plant in Kentwood. The new expansion will create 250 jobs and they will be increasing their hiring efforts over the next year. Those that are interested in joining the elite group of skilled machinists, future apprentices, engineers, or technicians, should contact Kristy White at: kwhite@autocamstg.wpengine.com.

About Autocam Medical
Autocam Medical is a global contract manufacturer of precision-machined drill bits, drivers, screws, plates, cutting tools, and other complex, highly-engineered surgical implants, instruments, and handpieces, as well as other device components. The company is a key supplier to the world’s leading Medical Device Manufacturers specializing in Orthopedics, Spine, Robotics, Ophthalmology, Vascular, ENT, General Surgical Equipment, and Diagnostics. They offer a value-added approach to high-precision manufacturing with specialties in CNC milling, turning and cutter grinding. The company has achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification and is an FDA registered facility. In addition to their facilities in Kentwood, Michigan, Autocam Medical has operations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Suzhou, China; and Indaiatuba, Brazil.

Autocam Medical Aims to Fill 40 Positions at Hiring Event, Making Same-Day Offers

/in , , , /by

KENTWOOD, MI—(AUGUST 12, 2021)—Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices, recently announced that they will be holding a hiring event specifically for CNC machinists and secondary operators.

The job fair will take place at Autocam Medical’s global headquarters located at 4152 East Paris Avenue SE on August 18th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and August 19th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The company is looking to hire 30 full-time CNC machinists and 10 secondary operators in their Kentwood location. Same-day offers will be made to qualified applicants.

“While there may be other jobs out there, the positions that we are filling are career opportunities,” said Kristy White, HR Director for Autocam Medical. “We are committed to investing in our employees and providing them with learning opportunities that facilitate career growth. The training that we provide coupled with the work environment and benefits that we offer is what really sets us apart from other companies,” she said.

An employee-centered workplace, Autocam Medical, offers a pristine, air-conditioned work environment that’s outfitted with the most innovative equipment and managed according to the latest principles of good practice, trust, fairness, and respect for the individual. New hires can look forward to receiving a generous compensation package including premium-free health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, quarterly incentives, a 401K match of $3,000.00, and tuition reimbursement.

Those applying for the CNC machinist positions are required to have two or more years of CNC experience. They must also be capable of setting up and operating single or multiple spindle machines as well as monitoring and controlling the quality of machining practices by utilizing process control tools. Proficiency in maintaining production processes and working within the expected quality standards and established efficiencies are also necessary.

Secondary operator candidates must possess superior attention to detail and manual dexterity skills. In addition to taking part in continuous improvement activities such as quality management, concurrent engineering (C&E), and tool tryouts, they will also be responsible for performing data collection and various communication tasks.

“While both of these positions require special skill sets, aspiring apprentices with a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and analytical abilities are also urged to apply,” added White. “Our business has grown exponentially over the past five years, and we anticipate that this trend will only continue as plans for our new facility fall into place. Our expansion is expected to create 250 jobs, so we will be looking to fill many more positions in the coming months.”

Those interested in attending Autocam Medical’s hiring event are encouraged, but not required, to register and reserve an interview time in advance at https://www.autocam-medical.com/careers. Walk-ins are also welcome. All applicants should bring an updated resume.

To learn more about Autocam Medical, please visit their Facebook and Twitter pages.

About Autocam Medical
Autocam Medical is a global contract manufacturer of precision-machined drill bits, drivers, screws, plates, cutting tools, and other complex, highly-engineered surgical implants, instruments, and handpieces, as well as other device components. The company is a key supplier to the world’s leading Medical Device Manufacturers specializing in Orthopedics, Spine, Robotics, Ophthalmology, Vascular, ENT, General Surgical Equipment, and Diagnostics. They offer a value-added approach to high-precision manufacturing with specialties in CNC milling, turning and cutter grinding. The company has achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification and is an FDA registered facility. In addition to their facilities in Kentwood, Michigan, Autocam Medical has operations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Suzhou, China and Indaiatuba, Brazil.

MIBIZ: Funding Furthers Autocam Medical’s Efforts to Close the Skills Gap and Build a Talent Pipeline

/in , , /by

A longtime advocate for the skilled trades, Autocam Medical, will benefit from two U.S. Department of Labor grants, the GoingPro Talent Fund, and the One Workforce for West Michigan Project.

The GoingPro Talent Fund assists in the training, developing, and retaining of current and newly hired employees. While the One Workforce for West Michigan Project is a collaborative effort designed to help the unemployed or underemployed gain in-demand manufacturing skills with a focus on automation and artificial intelligence.

The grants will help further the company’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce and their CNC Machinist Apprentice Program. The innovative year-round program requires students to complete 728 hours of classroom instruction for 91 weeks. Apprentices are also employed by Autocam Medical and must maintain a full work-schedule during the training period. Students walk away with a CNC Machinist certification, a State of Michigan certified Journeyman card and 27 college credits towards an associate’s degree.

“We recognized some time ago, that that the need for skilled workers would only continue to grow, as most machinists are aging and getting ready to retire, and fewer students are pursuing machining as a career,” said Kristy White, Autocam Medical’s Human Resource Director. “That’s why we’ve made such a significant investment in building our Department of Labor (DOL) registered CNC Machinist Program over the past several years. It’s the right thing to do for our industry, our company, and our workers. It creates a pipeline for manufacturers to secure applicants and workers to get jobs.”

A recent article in MiBiz elaborated in more detail on the many ways that the Going Pro Talent Fund, in particular, will help Autocam Medical and other Michigan companies close the widening skills gap:

Continue reading at MiBiz…

Federal Grants Bolster Autocam Medical’s Efforts to Invest in Skilled Workers

/in , , , /by

KENTWOOD, MI—(FEBRUARY 12, 2021)—Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision, surgical and medical components and devices, announced today that they will benefit from two grants from the U.S. Department of Labor, the GoingPro Talent Fund, and the One Workforce for West Michigan Project.

The GoingPro Talent Fund assists in the training, developing, and retaining of current and newly hired employees. While the One Workforce for West Michigan Project is a collaborative effort designed to help the unemployed or underemployed gain in-demand manufacturing skills with a focus on automation and artificial intelligence.

“We take pride in the supportive work environment we offer,” said Kristy White, Autocam Medical’s Human Resource Manager. “These grants will amplify our ability to offer even more of the type of training that leads to credentialed and transferable skills that are valued by our industry,” she added.

Grand Rapids Community College and West Michigan Works were awarded the One Workforce Grant and will lead the coalition which includes Autocam Medical, and other area employers, workforce development organizations, educators, and community groups. The program will build a talented workforce to fill existing job openings and will help to prepare West Michigan for the future of manufacturing.

Autocam Medical’s participation in the coalition will help further their commitment to creating a skilled workforce and their CNC Machinist Apprentice Program, in particular.

“Over the past several years Autocam Medical has made a significant investment in building a Department of Labor (DOL) registered CNC Machinist program,” said White. “The grants will allow us to expand upon the strong foundation we have already built.”

The year-round program requires students to complete 728 hours of classroom instruction for 91 weeks. Apprentices are also employed by Autocam Medical and must maintain a full work-schedule during the training period. In addition to CNC Machinist certification, the course of study also covers the necessary schooling required by the State of Michigan for students to receive a certified Journeyman card and puts them on the path to receive an associate’s degree, earning 27 college credits.

“We currently have two classes in place,” said White. “We will be hiring another 14 students to take part in the program in September 2021.”

Individuals and companies that are interested in participating in the CNC Machinist program should contact Kristy White at: kwhite@autocamstg.wpengine.com.

About Autocam Medical
Autocam Medical is a global contract manufacturer of precision-machined drill bits, drivers, screws, plates, cutting tools, and other complex, highly-engineered surgical implants, instruments, and handpieces, as well as other device components. Clients are involved with instruments and devices used in procedures including the foot and ankle, hand and wrist, hip and knee, shoulder and elbow, spine, as well as ophthalmology and craniomaxillofacial procedures. The company offers a value-added approach to high-precision manufacturing with specialties in CNC milling, turning and cutter grinding. The company has achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification and is an FDA registered facility. They also have facilities in the U.S., China, and Brazil.

TODAY’S MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS: News: Cobots, carbon offsets, apprenticeships, digital mfg. training

/in , , /by

Since yesterday was Valentine’s Day I had a story up about Abbott’s Fully Implantable Left Ventricular Assist System that has earned FDA breakthrough device designation. Today, I’m serving up some cobot news from Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots (MIR), covering a few new hires at America Makes, and wanted to let you know about Fastems’ Digital Manufacturing solutions that requires no physical automation system to simulate, educate, or introduce a factory automation system to employees.

Now, let’s give a shout out to two other companies featured this weekend. First up is Xometry for going green and launching its carbon offset program to reduce the environmental impact of its shipped packages.

Kudos also go to Autocam Medical who presented nine students with certificates of completion for their CNC Machinist Apprentice Program during a January 16, 2020, ceremony at Western Michigan University’s AMP Lab in Grand Rapids. We need a trained workforce and these steps are what will support manufacturing today and in the future.

Continue reading at Today’s Medical Developments…

High-Tech Equipment from Autocam Medical Installed in WMU AMP Lab

/in , , /by

Autocam Medical, a contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices announced three new pieces of their manufacturing equipment were installed in Western Michigan University’s (WMU) regional state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory (AMP Lab).

The equipment is just one example of Autocam Medical’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce. They are also a key partner in the AMP program, which is focused on encouraging and facilitating the development of students pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing. In addition, they participate in a CNC Machinist Apprentice program in which they send workers to college to receive training in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Students that complete 728 hours of classroom instruction while maintaining a full work schedule receive their journeyman’s card in CNC Machining and 27 college credits towards an associate’s degree.

Now students in the program will have access to some specialized equipment. The AMP lab equipment, a CNC 5 Axis Mill, a Swiss lathe, and a 3D metal printer, will provide engineering students and current engineers and designers with an opportunity to experience the high-tech devices needed to develop and test new products and prototypes. “We are primarily focused on the medical industry, so the machines are designed to make smaller parts,” said John Kennedy IV, General Manager at Autocam Medical.

For example, the CNC 5 Axis Mill is used to make metal orthopedic devices such as ankle replacements, shoulder implants, hip sockets, and trauma plates for stabilizing broken bones. The Swiss lathe is designed to make long and slender round components for different uses. The 3D metal printer can print ready-to-finish objects.

In addition to the opportunity to use the specialized equipment, students will also be able to receive valuable input from industry experts at the lab. “Engineering students that have a concept that is a little bit more technical than what they have the ability to do on the Web, can come down here and say, ‘I have this great idea can you guys help me figure out how to make this?,’ while they learn more about advanced machining,” said John Kennedy IV, General Manager at Autocam Medical.

The facility is located on the bottom two floors of WMU’s building at 200 Ionia Avenue SW in Grand Rapids. Students begin their learning in the apprentice lab and classroom and then move down to the lower level, where the new equipment from Autocam Medical is located for hands-on experience. In addition to providing students with the tools they need to bring their concepts to fruition, the location of the Autocam Medical equipment in the lab’s lower level allows passersby to have a birds-eye view of the machines from the sidewalk above.

“This type of visibility will allow people to see manufacturing in process,” said John Kennedy IV. “It will also help raise the profile of advanced manufacturing in downtown Grand Rapids and draw more people into skilled trade careers. Manufacturers are struggling to fill these positions with well-trained workers who can become productive immediately. The AMP Lab helps close that gap.”

Autocam Medical’s President, John Kennedy, has played a primary role in this unique partnership between private industry and public institutions. He has helped connect Herman Miller and Paragon Die and Engineering to the program which includes several other area manufacturers and donors such as, Amway, Cascade Engineering, Flexco, Haworth, and Rockwell Automation. Besides WMU, the companies will be involved with Grand Rapids Community College, Ferris State University, and Aquinas College. As a result, the Lab becomes a resource for all of West Michigan and beyond.

Autocam Medical Recruits and Retains Top Talent with Empowering Work Culture

/in , , /by

Autocam Medical, a contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices recently released a new video highlighting their unique work culture and the many ways they recruit and retain employees.

John Kennedy, President of Autocam Medical, says, “Our vision is to become the best contract manufacturer for medical devices in the world. The way in which we do that is by providing the highest quality, best delivery, and best value to our customers. We can’t do that without great people. The many ways in which we recruit and retain top talent is a big part of our focus.”

As Dennis Weihl, Value Stream Manager and seven-year employee of Autocam Medical, notes in the video, one of the many ways that Autocam Medical has made culture a top priority is through the education and opportunities that they offer their employees. “At most companies, if you don’t know it when you walk in the door, you’re not going to have that job,” he said. That’s not the case at Autocam Medical. “They encourage growing and learning at all levels. That’s what keeps me here, I continue to grow and learn every single day that I’m here,” he said.

In fact, 23 of the company’s 200 employees are in a sponsored apprenticeship right now. The program pays for 100% of educational expenses and provides them with a full-time job while they are going to school. Students that complete 728 hours of classroom instruction while maintaining a full work schedule receive their journeyman’s card in CNC Machining and 27 college credits towards an associate’s degree.

What’s more, those that are hired on by Autocam Medical may pursue additional education as along as it relates to their role with the company. The company offers a tuition reimbursement program after 30 days of employment. In addition to paying for 100% of the Qualified Educational Assistance Expenses incurred by a participant for tuition at an accredited college, the program also pays for 50% of their approved expenses for textbooks (up to $5,250 annually). This includes certificate and degree programs.

Besides investing in the formal education of their employees, the company also encourages on-the-job training and teamwork. There are no separate areas. Employees work in Area Improvement Teams (AIT’s) so they have the opportunity to work out on the floor together and learn from one another.
The teamwork approach helps employees “do the best job they can in the work they are doing,” and to discover and suggest processes that will allow the company to do things better, faster, and more cost effectively.

If you would like to learn more about Autocam Medical’s culture, visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8y0l1A6ZEg&feature=youtu.be