DRMA taps into ‘alliance’ to find workers of the future

More than 2,500 manufacturers in the Dayton region are looking for the right employees.

A new alliance aims to help those companies in that search.

Graduation Alliance, which offers education and career training across the United States, including Montgomery County, has partnered with the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA) to give Dayton-area residents an opportunity to earn the qualifications they need to begin a new career in manufacturing, the DRMA announced Tuesday.

RELATEDDayton manufacturers fight for employees of the future. 

The program is administered online and begins with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration “OSHA 10” certificate— an essential first step toward getting hired, DRMA said.

Successful participants are then “guaranteed an interview with a participating employer and, once they receive a job offer, they’ll begin working toward the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council’s Certified Production Technician certificate,” the association said.

STEADY GROWTHNorwood Medical expands its Dayton campus even further 

FC Industries Inc., JBK Manufacturing and Development Co., Noble Tool Corp., Production Tube Cutting and Rack Processing are among the Dayton-area companies already participating.

The OSHA 10 training is required at most manufacturers, and certification demonstrates that potential employees understand workplace safety.

The certificate is recognized by manufacturers across the country, and can be earned in about 120 hours. The program’s curriculum focuses on safety, quality, manufacturing, production and maintenance awareness.

“These certifications are the essential first steps in a journey toward career stability with good wages and benefits,” said Angelia Erbaugh, DRMA president.

Rack Processing’s chief operating officer, Jim Bowman, said the need for a program like this is clear.

“For individuals who have the basic training and a willingness to work hard, the opportunities in manufacturing are endless,” Bowman said. “Alongside Graduation Alliance, we’re going to make sure that a lot of people get the first part of that equation — then the willingness to work hard will show through and the continued effort will propel them forward to their dream of a promising career.”

“This is a great opportunity for people who want to stop bouncing from job to job and start working toward a career,” said Ron Klausner, the alliance’s chief executive. “The training that we’re offering puts people in a great position to be hirable and promotable in an industry that offers stable jobs, good benefits and a lot of upward mobility.”

To apply for the program, applicants must be U.S. citizens or green card holders, 18 years of age or older and drug-free.

For more information, visit http://dayton.manufacturingjobstoday.com/

About the Author