Toolmaker Apprenticeship Program Offered by Trelleborg

Trelleborg Medical Solutions has launched a certified toolmaker apprenticeship program in Delano, Minn.

During the four-year program, apprentices will learn to construct, troubleshoot, and repair molds, fixtures and related tools under the guidance of experienced mentors. The company plans hire graduates as toolmaker, Class B or machinist, with eligibility for promotion to toolmaker, Class A.

Trelleborg bigwigs hope the apprenticeship will raise awareness and interest amongst those seeking a challenging trade opportunity. It also could help foster Minnesota’s growing medtech landscape. “Trelleborg is in the heart of Medical Alley in Minnesota and our toolmaker apprenticeship will continue to strengthen the state as a medtech leader,” noted Kevin Ehlert, Business Unit president of Medical Device Solutions Americas at Trelleborg.

The program not only provides opportunities for those interested in a skilled trade but also enables the company to strengthen its customer partnership capabilities. “We want to continue delivering the value customers have come to expect. When we talk about providing speed to market and cutting-edge capabilities, it starts with tools and people who know how to build them,” Ehlert explained.

Additionally, newly trained toolmakers will help Trelleborg provide multiple services to customers under one roof. “Some companies partner with independent tool houses overseas. We are making a strategic investment to provide most of our services in-house,” noted Chris Tellers, Innovation Center and new product development director at Trelleborg. “We want to own the design and control the quality of the tool to ensure we pass on the highest quality of products to our customers. The toolmakers who graduate through this apprenticeship program will help us do that.”

Trelleborg also plans to expand its footprint at its Delano, Minn., facility to tackle larger projects and accelerate the design and development cycle for customers. As part of the expansion, Trelleborg will add additional Swiss machining tools that will require the talents of skilled toolmakers.

“Many high schools don’t offer robust trade programs and most people don’t know what it means to be a toolmaker. It’s a very technologically advanced line of work that takes perseverance and a willingness to learn,” Tellers said.

The apprenticeship program will include mentoring and training in the following areas:

• Tool building and mold maintenance
• Computer numerical control (CNC) and electrical discharge machining
• Tool design and automation
• Mold processing and operations
• Computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software
• Quality
• Safety

Learn more about and apply for the program here.

Trelleborg Medical Solutions  partners with medical device​ and biopharmaceutical companies, collaborating from concept to commercialization to bring to market solutions that improve patient care.  It leverages decades of design and manufacturing experience, in-depth knowledge of polymer materials, and an understanding of customer applications and end-use environments to deliver pioneering, engineered solutions for health technologies. Using its global quality system and engineering and manufacturing network, the company is a production partner for medical device and biopharmaceutical companies. 

Trelleborg leverages in-depth materials and applications expertise with early market insights to develop engineered polymer solutions. Last year, Trelleborg Group reported annual sales of approximately SEK 34 billion, with operations in around 40 countries. The Group comprises three business areas: Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Medical Solutions, and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stock Exchange since 1964 and is traded on Nasdaq Stockholm, Large Cap.