When it comes to factory automation, there are many benefits to be had. Not only can factory automation increase productivity and efficiency in your factory, but it can also help reduce labor costs. However, factory automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution – every business will have different needs. That’s why it’s important to have an apprentice program in place that can help you find the right factory automation solutions for your business. In this blog post, we will discuss five ways an apprentice program can benefit your factory automation business!
Cost Effective
One of the main benefits of an apprentice program is that it can be cost-effective. By training apprentices, you can avoid the need to hire expensive consultants or outside experts. Additionally, apprentices will often work for a lower starting wage than experienced factory automation professionals.
The hidden benefit of apprentice programs are grant dollars. As a business operating an apprentice program, you could qualify for grants offered by the Department of Labor. Such grants can cover up to 75% of an apprentice’s pay for as much as 6 months!
Flexible
Another benefit of an apprentice program is that it can be flexible. You can tailor the program to meet the specific needs of your factory and business. This means that you won’t have to waste time and money on solutions that aren’t a good fit for your factory.
Essentially, you can obtain below-market rate labor to learn how to become specialists in your operation. Apprentices will learn everything they need to know about how to best operate your facility, as opposed to just obtaining general knowledge on generic equipment.
Improved Productivity
Factory automation can help improve productivity in your factory. By automating certain tasks, you can free up your employees to focus on more important tasks. Additionally, factory automation can help improve the quality of your products and minimize errors. As a result, you’ll be able to produce more products in a shorter amount of time – leading to increased profits for your business.
Having an apprentice program can create a farm-system for employees to operate your facility efficiently. You’ll be able to offset any ebbs and flows in the labor market, because you’ll have steady source of affordable, effective apprentices working in your operation.
Apprentices can become trainers for new classes of apprentices, and so on. You can stabilize the workforce you’ll need for continued productivity.
Better Employee retention
Apprentice programs can also help improve employee retention. Because apprentices will be trained specifically for your factory, they will be more likely to stick around and continue working for your business once they complete the program. Additionally, by providing employees with opportunities to learn and grow, you can create a more positive work environment – leading to increased morale and motivation among your team.
A factory with high turnover rates can use an apprentice program as a solution. Rather than constantly having to train new employees, you can focus on retaining the apprentices you have already invested in. They’ll have significant experience in factory automation by the time they finish the program, meaning they’ll be less likely to leave for another job.
Apprentice programs offer a wide variety of benefits and are worth considering for any automated, or semi-automated facility. Keep in mind that clarity is key – apprentices (and governmental bodies providing grants and credits) need to know exactly what the pathway and education look like, as well as the opportunity (if any) at the end of the program.
Also, consider teaming up with a company that specializes in apprenticeship programs – they’ll save you a bunch of time and money.