GE a world leader in providing aircraft engines, systems and avionics, with a location in Rutland, Vermont, announces that its GE Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Programs graduated 41 apprentices in toolmaking, electrical maintenance, and mechanical maintenance on August 26, 2022.
The graduation took place at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. Patricia Moulton, executive director of Vermont State Colleges System’s workforce development division, was the keynote speaker. Jeffrey Higgins, EdD, professor and Director of External Degree Programs at Vermont Technical College, was the guest speaker.
“Our graduates gained so much from GE’s apprenticeship programs, but they also gave back to GE,” Dr. Higgins said. “Apprenticeship capstone projects accounted for more than $3M in plant efficiencies. Those savings don’t include what we call cascading benefits, things difficult to monetize such as freeing up technician time to work on more projects, increasing safety for employees, improving quality, and increasing employee morale.”
GE Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Program graduates earned 20 – 40 college credits, depending upon the program in which they are enrolled, and many are continuing on to Vermont Technical College for the associate and bachelor’s degrees in their respective fields.
“A strong manufacturing base is critical to Vermont’s present and future. As manufacturing jobs move from low-tech to high-skill, training the manufacturing workforce will be increasingly important. Building a strong program for workforce development is essential. This program is a sterling example of that,” said Patricia Moulton.
“I was determined to get into this program, and thankfully I was selected. I learned a lot in the Vermont Technical College classes – they really helped to lay the foundation. It has been a long road to get where I am today, but I am grateful I did it this way. I believe my time in the program will help me be a more effective engineer in the future, “ said Jim Wark, forge manufacturing engineer at GE Aerospace Rutland and a graduate of the apprenticeship program.
In addition to the GE Aviation Apprenticeship Programs, Vermont Technical College also directs the GW Plastics/Nolato Manufacturing Technology Leadership Program, the GS Precision Advanced Machinist Program, and the GlobalFoundries Maintenance Technician Apprentice Program.
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