HCCC, Eastern Millwork create advanced manufacturing degree, apprenticeship program

Hudson County Community College has entered into a partnership with Eastern Millwork Inc. to develop and implement a joint apprenticeship and Associate of Applied Science degree in advanced manufacturing.

The partnership stems from the college’s expansion of its Workforce Development program and Eastern Millwork’s need for employees trained in advanced manufacturing.

A custom and high-end automated, woodwork manufacturing and installation company, Eastern Millwork will train up to four qualified high-school students each year. The Jersey City-based company’s four-year, dual-education program begins in July.

Apprentices will receive full benefits – paid vacation and holidays, a 401K plan, and health insurance. They will earn a progressive salary starting at $24,500 and rising to $70,000 by the end of the fourth year, when they will be awarded their degree in advanced manufacturing, and become engineers at Eastern Millwork. There are several career tracks for engineers at Eastern Millwork with additional earnings potential. There is also the opportunity to continue their education and obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Eastern Millwork will use the dual-education model developed in Europe. In this model, apprentices will devote three days a week to practical experiences and one to industry-specific studies and training. Their fifth day of each week will be spent at Hudson County Community College where they will be engaged in coursework for their degree.