Oberg Industries Expands its Apprenticeship Programs

Oberg Industries, a full-service contract manufacturer of precision metal components and assemblies, was awarded approval from the state of Pennsylvania for six new apprenticeship training programs—including two CNC programs for operators and setup programmers in each of the following areas: turning, milling and mill/turn.

Oberg Industries has had apprenticeship training programs since the company beganmore than 63 years ago with numerous courses including CAD die designer, precision electrical discharge machine operator, precision stamping press operator, precision machinist specialist, CNC machine setup operator, and die component specialist. Each of these competency-based programs is registered with the Department of Labor and the Veteran’s Administration.

Oberg’s apprenticeship training is an “earn while you learn” program, according to the company, that combines work-based learning with computer-based training and related classroom instruction. There is no cost to the student. The company provides the materials, training, knowledge, facilities, and equipment so that each apprentice can be successful and receive a Journey-worker certificate and National Institute of Metalworking Skills credentials in a specific skilled area of work providing they complete the program requirements.

The companycurrently is stepping up its internal employee development efforts for succession planning and to guarantee continued success and enhance the company’s performance and competitiveness. “Customers Rely On Us…We Rely On Our People” is the new branding and recruitment tag line being used to amplify the company’s human resources focus, according to Oberg officials.

As part of its talent development efforts in the area of apprenticeship, Greg Chambers, Oberg’s director of corporate compliance and safety, as well as the company’s apprenticeship program leader, recently was commissioned by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett to serve on the state’s Apprenticeship and Training Council.

“Greg certainly has been a longtime advocate and supporter of apprenticeship training since being the coordinator and leader of Oberg’s world-renowned apprenticeship training program for more than 20 years. He has been helping to establish standards for apprenticeships and develop curriculum and training programs through his liaison work at the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training with the U.S. Department of Labor and leadership roles with NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills), the NTMA(National Tooling and Machining Association), and the American Apprenticeship Roundtable,” said Dave Bonvenuto, president and CEO of Oberg Industries.

Chambers also had the opportunity to meet President Obama and Vice President Biden and discuss many apprenticeship training initiatives when the president visited Pittsburgh in April, Bonvenuto added.

Chambers brings more than 25 years experience as an engineer and leader of apprenticeship development as well as export control, safety and environmental control to this position. He has bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and received his Journey-worker Certificate in Machining after graduating from the Oberg Apprenticeship Training Program.

During his tenure on the Apprenticeship and Training Council, Chambers will represent apprentice and education needs of all manufacturers throughout Pennsylvania. According to the 2012-2013 PA Career Guide, nearly 170,000 individuals work in high-demand manufacturing occupations throughout Pennsylvania, earning average wages of $40,150 a year. The majority of these jobs do not require a college degree, but require work-related theory and on-the-job training.

Headquartered just north of Pittsburgh, Pa., Oberg Industries is a diversified manufacturer with more than 800 employees worldwide specializing in the production of precision machined or stamped metal components and precision tooling. Oberg’s global manufacturing footprint includes operations in Pennsylvania, Costa Rica and Mexico.

The company serves the orthopedic and medical device industries as well as the aerospace, automotive, consumer/industrial products, defense, energy, housing, metal packaging, and munitions markets.