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