60 minutes piece

Missed the first minute or two. The guy that doesn't think he can afford to train people has a problem. I've almost always had to train employees. The 3 very best ones came in with absolutely no idea what is involved. However, they were all serious motorheads so had an inkling of what tolerances are. Several others with some experience worked out well, just had a few bad habits to break. The 2 that knew what they were doing were a joy to have. "Here's the print/sketch/paper napkin/idea, now get it done". In 34 years, I have only had to fire 1 guy; for incompetence. The others that left found greater challenges, left the country, decided they didn't want to machine any more, went back to school.

If You?ve Got the Skills, She?s Got the Job:

"Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC) is taking a proactive approach to the manufacturing employee shortage. The school is launching a machinist apprenticeship program starting spring 2013. Hoping to bring in eight to 10 enrollees, the school may waive the first semester?s tuition.

?There?s a shortage of machinists. It?s a plain fact,? said Jerry Hetland, director of apprenticeship programs at ATCC. "

Best, Steve

Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI has a serious program in machining. They have a large building filled with Haas CNC machines (plus a bunch of manual lathes and mills) and have a good sized class of people taking courses there. They also teach a lot of courses at night, for those who have to work during the day.

Jon