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Gestamp Manufacturing, one of the world’s largest auto parts manufacturing companies, is working with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center to launch a collaborative apprenticeship program.
This is a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) registered tool-and-die apprenticeship at six plants in West Virginia, Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee and South Carolina.
The launch of the program will include 32 apprentices.
“Gestamp is not only addressing today’s skilled labor challenges but also building the next generation of toolmakers and manufacturing professionals who will drive innovation and support the company’s continued growth and competitiveness in the automotive industry,” explained Brook Southwick, director of Talent Management for Gestamp’s North American Division.
MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works is assisting Gestamp with setting up the apprenticeship programs at each location, customizing the apprenticeships to the company’s particular operations, delivering related technical instruction and serving as the liaison with the DOL.
Because MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works is funded entirely through a $7,103,847 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration, there is no cost to the company.
“With Gestamp operating plants across five different states, maintaining a standardized apprenticeship program can be increasingly challenging,” Southwick said. “By partnering with [MAMC] as the program sponsor, we can establish a consistent apprenticeship framework across all locations. This partnership enables us to standardize training requirements, share resources more effectively, and leverage best practices to ensure a successful and sustainable apprenticeship program throughout all plants.”
Jordan Dailey, tool and die development manager for Gestamp US, said he is proud to be part of this new apprenticeship initiative.
“Twenty-three years ago, I began my journey as a toolmaker without the benefit of an apprenticeship program,” he said. “Today, it is incredibly rewarding to help create opportunities that I never had, building clear pathways that empower the next generation to achieve success faster, with greater confidence and endless possibilities.”
Gestamp also plans to launch a Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program in 2027 to support its maintenance departments across the country, which increasingly must maintain and troubleshoot complex, interconnected technologies that require extensive knowledge of automation, electrical and mechanical systems, robotics and programmable logic controllers, according to Southwick. She added that the company has identified several other departments that could benefit from apprenticeship programs.
“Studies show apprenticeships reduce employee turnover, improve safety and boost company efficiency,” said MAMC’s Apprenticeship Unit Director Heather Cooper. “They’re also a great way to ensure that the vast knowledge of seasoned employees is passed on to the next generation before retirement. In addition, as is the case with Gestamp, they standardize training across multiple company locations. We look forward to working with Gestamp to develop the skilled talent it needs to thrive.”
The pre-apprenticeship program has launched at the South Charleston facility and in South Carolina. High school students enrolled in career and technical education programs work approximately 15 hours per week over two to three days at Gestamp, shadowing team members in various departments as they learn about careers at the company, manufacturing processes, technology and workplace culture.
Students will be considered for full apprenticeships at the company after they complete their pre-apprenticeships.
In South Charleston, the Gestamp pre-apprentices are students at Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center in Logan County. They were chosen for the program based on test scores, attendance and a desire to participate in the area’s workforce upon graduation, according to Ralph R. Willis Principal Macel Adams.
“We are proud to partner with Gestamp and continue growing our pre-apprenticeship program at Ralph R. Willis,” Adams said. “We look forward to working with Gestamp in the future to produce skilled employees for our regional workforce!”
The Gestamp pre-apprentices are among 37 Ralph R. Willis students who participate in MAMC’s pre-apprenticeship program. MAMC maps what students learn to DOL apprenticeship standards so pre-apprentices earn credit toward full apprenticeships.
“The partnership with MAMC has been a perfect program for our students who wish to extend their technical education, find a career in their field in the local market and [earn] further certifications while in high school,” Adams said.
Through an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Education, MAMC partners with similar schools across the Mountain State. Ralph R. Willis was the first school to join the pre-apprenticeship initiative through MAMC. Currently, schools in 13 counties are participating in the program, as more continue to sign on.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent for companies such as Gestamp while providing high school students a jumpstart on manufacturing careers through pre-apprenticeship opportunities,” Cooper said.
Additional pre-apprenticeship programs are being introduced at Gestamp facilities in Alabama, Michigan and Tennessee.
“At Gestamp, we recognized that the future of manufacturing depends on the talent we develop today,” said Southwick, director of talent management for Gestamp North America. “Our early talent strategy is focused on creating meaningful pathways that connect education, hands-on experience and long-term career opportunities. Through work-based learning and apprenticeship programs, we are helping students explore careers in advanced manufacturing while building the skilled workforce our industry needs for years to come.”
Learn more about MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works at www.mfg.marshall.edu/apprenticeships.