Apprenticeship Program
Apprenticeship Program
At Kiski Precision, we’re not just about manufacturing— we’re about building careers. Our apprenticeship program is designed to cultivate the next generation of skilled machinists, providing hands-on experience, state certification, and a supportive environment to foster growth and success.
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Meet Merle Smith:
The Mentor Behind the Program
Merle Smith, the Group Lead for Trainee Development at Kiski Precision, has over 35 years of experience in the machining field. After starting his own career as an apprentice, Merle has dedicated himself to teaching the next generation. With over a year in his current role, he’s passionate about seeing young apprentices progress from beginners to skilled professionals.
“The best part of this apprenticeship program is seeing the advancements these kids make— from where they start to where they finish. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth,” says Merle.
Merle’s approach to teaching is hands-on and individualized. He recognizes that every student learns differently and adapts his methods to meet their unique needs. Whether it’s mastering a lathe or understanding complex programming languages, Merle ensures each apprentice has the tools and support they need to succeed.
The Apprenticeship
Experience
Our apprenticeship program isn’t just about learning the technical skills required in manufacturing— it’s about shaping responsible, reliable, and dedicated professionals.
When apprentices first join, they’re introduced to the basics: blueprint reading, time management, and fundamental machining skills. As they progress, they receive more advanced training, including CNC programming and operations.
One unique aspect of our program is our partnership with the state certification program, which runs concurrently with the hands-on training at Kiski Precision. Apprentices attend night classes through the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and work towards becoming certified machinists over a four-year period. This combination of classroom learning and practical experience ensures our apprentices are well-prepared for a successful career.
Additionally, we provide each apprentice with a $1,600 toolset at no cost to them, which they can keep upon completing the program. This commitment to our apprentices’ success is unmatched in the region.
A Success Story:
Travis BaYne
Travis Bayne, a third-year apprentice, is a shining example of what’s possible through our program. Travis joined Kiski Precision as a high school senior and has since progressed from working on basic projects to programming complex CNC machines.
“It’s been a climb, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding. From learning how to program big machines to understanding the intricacies of quality and precision, I’ve gained skills here that will help me throughout my life,” Travis shares.
Travis’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. He recently competed in a state-wide machining competition, where he performed exceptionally well. His story is a testament to the value of our apprenticeship program and the potential it unlocks in young machinists.
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The Value of Manufacturing Apprenticeships
At Kiski Precision, we believe that manufacturing is the backbone of our community. Without skilled workers, the industry—and by extension, the world—cannot function. This is why we invest so heavily in our apprenticeship program. We know that you can’t find a 30-year machinist on the job market; you have to make one.
Starting young gives our apprentices the advantage of time—time to learn, time to grow, and time to excel. By the time they’ve completed our program, they’re not only skilled machinists but also experienced professionals ready to contribute to the industry.
Join Us
Are you or someone you know interested in a career in machining? Our apprenticeship program might be the perfect fit. We encourage high school students and others interested in a hands-on, rewarding career to consider joining us.
As Travis says, “Give it a year—you might fall in love with it like I did.”
At Kiski Precision, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community committed to excellence in manufacturing and in our people. Join us, and start building your future today.