The Importance of Academic Partnership in Our Local Community–Talos Apprenticeship Program
In a rapidly evolving world, staying ahead of the curve requires continuous learning and practical experience. The Talos Apprenticeship Program is designed to bridge the gap between education and the manufacturing industry, offering aspiring high school students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop critical skills in a real-world setting and expectations.
What is the Talos Apprenticeship Program?
Beginning in 2020, the Talos Apprenticeship Program is an innovative initiative aimed to nurture the next generation of the material handling industry. Open to local high school juniors and seniors, “the objective of the program is to assist students in gaining hands-on, real-world experience that will help guide them through their professional journey,” says Human Resources Business Partner, Jessie Thompson.
Program Structure
The Talos Apprenticeship Program typically spans throughout the months of June and July. Unlike traditional internship programs, our program focuses on project-based learning, allowing apprentices to work on projects under the mentorship of our very own experienced individuals. The program is divided into several phases:
Eligibility and Application Process
Apprentices are required to submit a copy of their school attendance records, a letter of parental consent and a letter of recommendation from one of their teachers.
Selection Process
Once the initial application process is complete, we have the students go through a brief interview process before making our final decision, another way we provide real-world experiences to our apprentices.
Orientation and Onboarding
Apprentices begin with an orientation session to familiarize themselves with Talos Engineered Products, its culture and its processes. This phase also includes training sessions on essential tools and technologies.
Project Assignment
Apprentices are assigned to projects that align with their interest and career goals. They then work closely with their mentors and team members to define objectives and deliverables.
Hands-On Work
The core of the program involves hands-on work on assigned projects. For example, while our manufacturing students are working on real-world products that comes through our shop floor, our engineering students are working through real-world scenarios on either old projects or a project specific to the program itself, says Thompson.
Career Development and Opportunity
Completing the Talos Apprenticeship Program helps students gain the skills necessary to be successful after graduating high school and advancing into their career, while also giving our current employees the opportunity to enhance their training and leadership skills by passing on the knowledge and experience that they have gained throughout their own career, explains Thompson.
Success Stories
The Talos Apprenticeship Program has produced numerous success stories. Graduates have been hired for our manufacturing floor, as well as our process engineering team. The program’s emphasis on practical experience and mentorship has proven to be a powerful catalyst for career development. In conclusion, Talos Engineered Products’ Apprenticeship Program is a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and investing in the future. This program offers aspiring individuals a structured path to professional growth and hands-on experience in a variety of technical and engineering roles. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, our apprentices gain valuable skills and industry knowledge.