Business and Industry Partnerships Apprentices at ArcelorMittal’s training facility learn on the very same equipment that appears on the manufacturing floor. PhoTo courTesy of AlishA hysloP the education center, there is a network of more than 80 individuals assisting with training in the plant and helping apprentices transfer skills from the classroom to the factory floor. In the second and third years of the apprenticeship, gradually more time is spent working in the plant, and training modules become more advanced, covering topics like programmable logic control, hydraulics, welding and motion control. Students work on the exact same equipment in their worksite training center as they will use in the plant, allowing for a more seamless application of skills. At the same time, companies sponsoring apprentices are expected to provide them with a broad enough education that their skills will transfer to similar occupations in other companies if the students choose to seek employment elsewhere. One of the ways that apprentices can ensure that their skills are appropriate across the industry is through the national exams they sit for as part of their programs. These exams are developed and proctored by the chambers of commerce around the country and are unique to each occupation. Both interim and final exams are used to show that apprentices have achieved the necessary skills as a result of their training. The exams include both paper-and-pencil and demonstration Visit our booth #219 42 Techniques November/December 2012 www.acteonline.org