Compensation, training, advancement

What kind of training and education do I need?
The best way to learn all aspects of the trade is a formal apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction with hands-on job experience. The typical apprenticeship is four or five years. This includes practical experience and, for TMA students, four years of college credit classroom instruction.

How do I start?
Entry level positions in manufacturing can lead to apprentice training programs, in many cases paid for by the employer. TMA offers job referral. Many community colleges also offer technical courses and programs.

Good Labor Market
In the Chicago area alone, there are nearly 6,000 manufacturing companies employing more than 35,000 skilled manufacturing professionals in a variety of precision metalworking jobs. These professionals design and make tools, dies, molds, and machinery that drive the mass production process. They machine high-precision component parts so production workers can stamp, mold, fabricate, cast, forge, turn, bend, machine and grind precision parts by the millions for end-product manufacturers worldwide.

Apprentice Training - earn while you learn
Internships or apprenticeships usually require four to five years of hands-on and classroom training- no longer than it takes to go to college-and apprentices are earning while in training. Qualified employees of TMA member companies may be enrolled in the Related Theory Program offered at three Chicago area campuses in precision machining, tool and die making, and moldmaking. Classes include math, industrial blueprint reading, and machining. Graduates can articulate to the Bachelor of Manufacturing Technology & Management Program at the Illinois Institute of Technology or to other degree programs.