Officials from County College of Morris (CCM) are celebrating a new apprenticeship program in advanced manufacturing.

CCM launched the new Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship program through a partnership with CMC Steel and the state labor department. The GAINS grant program funds the initiative.

Some key features of the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship include:

• Input from all three stakeholders
• CMC Steel apprentices will receive the knowledge and skills to excel in this field
• The program will take nearly 4,000 hours or two years to complete – making it CCM’s largest and most intensive apprenticeship to date
• The U.S. Department of Labor will recognize students who complete the initiative with the Journeyworker designation

Establishing a pipeline

CCM President Anthony Iacono said that partnerships help the institution thrive. He added that this program is a vital part of CCM’s mission with advanced manufacturing.

“And we’re honored to partner with CMC Steel and the NJDOL,” said Iacono. “Manufacturing is one of NJ’s largest and most important industries – and our Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC) was built to address the need of ensuring that manufacturers across the state will be provided with a steady pipeline of highly skilled individuals.”

“CMC Steel is proud to participate in this alliance with NJDOL and CCM,” said Paul Hiler, Northeast Asia human resources manager at CMC Steel. “This sort of apprenticeship education benefits our employees in so many ways. Apprenticeships create opportunities to grow professionally and financially in the manufacturing sector – which is so vital to New Jersey.”

New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said that this partnership is a shining example of how education, industry and government can unite.

“To provide invaluable opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and economic growth,” said Asaro-Angelo. “Through programs like these, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs; we are equipping them to drive innovation and success in New Jersey’s workforce.”

“Partnerships like this support our mission of changing lives – and strengthening communities,” Iacono added.

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