Zentech First to Adopt IPC Apprenticeship National Program Standards

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IPC achieved a landmark in 2023 by creating an apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. With such a registered framework in place, industry can work through IPC to secure local, state, and federal dollars for workforce development in a way they’ve never been able to do before.

The response from industry has been enthusiastic. Zentech Manufacturing, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with production facilities in Bloomington, Illinois, and Richardson, Texas, is the first employer partner to adopt IPC’s national program. IPC is working with Zentech to secure grant funding that will help offset the costs incurred with training. Stephanie Austin, marketing director, helps explain Zentech’s excitement for jumping on board so quickly.

What motivated Zentech to become an early adopter?

Stephanie Austin: We recognize what has been talked about for years: Our workforce is aging, and many Millennials and Gen-Zers don’t know the benefits of a career in manufacturing. We also know that these generations approach the market differently than their predecessors, so it was important that we alter our approach to attract a new generation of workers.

Raising awareness about careers in manufacturing has been a focus on our blog, “Manufacturing Careers on the Factory Floor,” where Zentech employees tell their success stories and why they love their jobs in manufacturing. We also recently published an article on our blog and IPC’s blog titled, “Manufacturing a Creative Workforce Development Strategy.” It discusses our ideas for a different approach to finding talent.

Zentech is a leader in many areas. The apprenticeship program seemed like the next logical step for us in demonstrating what we believe: to be ambassadors of our company and the industry and lead by example.

Read more about the company's experience with apprentices in the Spring 2024 issue of IPC Community.