Developing skilled machinists is critical for the future of manufacturing in the US and is important to our success at Hexagon. It was with this in mind that we launched our apprenticeship program in partnership with Front Range Community College (FRCC) in 2023. Our program aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the demands of the real world.
This is a competency-based program that’s designed to provide our apprentices with real-world experience from day one. By building real parts for actual customers with the support of expert machinists, our apprentices quickly learn the importance of quality and precision. This approach accelerates their learning process, ensuring they not only understand the standards expected in our industry but also how to meet them consistently.
Since the program’s inception, we’ve seen remarkable talents like Andrew Alcott and Gavin Bickford thrive. They’ve gained essential CNC machining skills and helped us serve our customers. Their journey through our apprenticeship program is a great illustration of how practical experience can transform eager learners into proficient machinists, ready to tackle the challenges of the manufacturing world.
But the impact of this program extends beyond individual achievement. At Hexagon, we believe in the strength of our community and the collective progress of our industry. By investing in the development of young talent, we’re not only enhancing our team’s capabilities but also contributing to the manufacturing strength of Colorado. Our apprenticeship program is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that we continue to lead by example.
For our customers, this means that we’ll continue to meet their manufacturing needs for years to come while maintaining the highest quality in everything we do. We understand that the foundation of a successful partnership lies in trust, reliability, and shared values. Through our apprenticeship program, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver outstanding service and products, powered by a team that represents the future of manufacturing excellence.
In 2024, Hexagon remains excited about the potential of this program to enrich our industry, enhance our services, and contribute to the sustainable growth of our community. If you’re interested in learning more about our partnership with FRCC or doing something similar at your company, please get in touch!
If you know someone who is interested in becoming a certified machinist, let them know about FRCC’s Precision Machining program.