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EMP honors journeyman program completion

Courtesy photo Chad Leiter, EMP General Manager, EMP Machine Repair Journeymen Jesse Norman and Jeremy Coolman, and Gabe Kluka, EMP Maintenance Manager, are shown.

ESCANABA — Engineered Machined Products Inc. (EMP) is recognizing two employees, Jeremy Coolman and Jesse Norman, for achieving Machine Repair Journeyman status through EMP’s Apprenticeship Program. The EMP Apprenticeship Program was established to develop and train apprentices for eventual qualification as Journeymen. EMP Apprentices are trained in either electrical maintenance or machine repair. Since program inception in 1991 under Brian Larche’s ownership, EMP has had 15 employees achieve the valuable Journeyman designation.

To qualify for the EMP Apprenticeship Program, rigid criteria is considered including Selection – qualifications, testing, interviews, supervisor recommendations, Registration & Certification – US Department of Labor (USDOL) progress reporting, notification and completion, and a Written Agreement on training completion that is developed collaboratively and approved by EMP, Teamsters and the USDOL.

Apprenticeship training entails 8,000 hours minimum with a Journeyman/Apprentice Ratio of 1:1, OJT hour tracking, rotating shift assignments, and 1,000 hours of coursework developed by EMP in collaboration with M-TEC and Bay College. The program involves periodic written evaluations, and generally takes place over a minimum 4-year period.

According to Paul Harvey, vice president of EMP, “EMP is fortunate to have benefited from both Going Pro Talent Fund and Skilled Trades Training Funds awards. These dollars are utilized primarily to support our US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships. While our apprenticeship program is challenging, we are very proud of the success that long-term employees Jesse Norman and Jeremy Coolman have achieved in becoming Journeymen.”

He added, “our new hire training program is also extensive. With an acute shortage in trade skills, particularly in our region, it remains challenging to attract qualified talent that meet the high level of precision in the work we do. Finding ways to help offset the high costs of training new workers adds value and enables EMP to prosper. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with our key partners MEDC, MiWorks, Delta Schoolcraft ISD, Bay College, and NMU to meet our ongoing training needs.”

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