Apprenticeship Program
Wright State University—Lake Campus is a registered apprenticeship sponsor with the State of Ohio and can sponsor your apprenticeship program.
Employers
Employers with apprenticeships, you can:
- Grow your own workforce
- Improve productivity and save money
- Teach the apprentices your company values
- Train workers the way your company wants them trained
- Reduce turnover costs and increase employee retention
Prospective Apprentices
Why become an apprentice?
Apprenticeships offer the chance to gain skills that will lead to a higher salary and great job opportunities. As an apprentice, you are a full-time employee earning a paycheck while you learn.
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of occupations, including health care, IT, and manufacturing.
During an apprenticeship, you will be trained on the job by an expert worker. You will also participate in classroom instruction that applies directly to your career.
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will receive a certificate that is recognized nationally.
Launch Your Manufacturing Career: Learn and Earn Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Wright State University—Lake Campus, in partnership with the Mercer County ESC and local manufacturers, is offering a unique pre-apprenticeship program for high school students. This program provides a direct pathway into the manufacturing industry through hands-on experience and valuable career development.
Program Highlights:
- Real-World Experience: Students work directly with local manufacturing employers four days a week, gaining practical skills and industry insights.
- Expert Training: One day a week is dedicated to specialized labs and classroom instruction at Wright State-Lake Campus.
- Career Readiness: The program includes focused career coaching, covering resume building and interview techniques, to prepare students for successful employment.
- Industry Certification: Students will prepare for and take the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam, earning a nationally recognized credential.
- Dual Certification: Successful completion of the program results in both a CMfgA and a Pre-Apprentice Certification.
- Earn While You Learn: The four days of work at a manufacturing company, provides income for the participating students.
- Academic Integration: Students maintain their regular high school coursework in the mornings.
Benefits for Students:
- Gain valuable, in-demand manufacturing skills.
- Build professional connections with local employers.
- Earn industry-recognized certifications.
- Jumpstart their manufacturing careers before graduation.
- Gain valuable interview experience.
This pre-apprenticeship program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore a rewarding career in manufacturing while earning valuable credentials and gaining real-world experience.
Learn what the 2024-2025 class had to say about the program:
Colson Jones | Parkway High School | Mercer Health Maintenance
Colson is now interested in skilled trade jobs after completing the Pre-Apprentice program. Colson appreciated that the program covered a wide range of introductory manufacturing topics, including his favorite topic, Robotics. Colson appreciates that there were a lot of opportunities to work as a group and could translate that over to his pre-apprentice job to work well with the rest of the team.
Jalon McInnis | New Knoxville High School | Pax Machine Works
Jalon wanted to join the Pre-Apprentice program to gain experience related to the field he wants to pursue after high school. Jalon stated he now knows more about the manufacturing process and will be able to make better designs as a mechanical engineer. Jalon’s favorite topic during the hands-on labs was learning how to solder.
Isaiah Horstman | St. Henry High School | Total Green Manufacturing
Isaiah was interested in the Pre-Apprentice program to be able to work all year while finishing his last year of high school. Isaiah's plans include working in a manufacturing-related job after graduating.
Matthias Byer | Parkway High School
Matt was drawn to the Pre-Apprentice program to earn the certifications to show potential employers. His next step after completing the program is to find his first full-time, long-term position. He liked that he learned the skills during class before starting a job.
Jay Schroeder | New Knoxville High School | Nidec Minster
Jay now believes the Pre-Apprentice program has made his career goals more achievable. Since he was able to work now while being in high school, he is earning valuable experiences to prepare himself for his future career.
Helpful Links
For further information, email wdbec-lake@wright.edu
