Earn and learn: Best practices of a true apprenticeship

Abstract

Northwestern State University (NSU) of Louisiana and Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) joined hands in a work/study program in collaboration with local and regional manufacturers to offer the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program. AMT program provides the opportunity for a learn/earn environment to those students who prefer to go to work as technicians without having to go through four years of a conventional degree program. This program modeled after Toyota Maintenance System (TMS), which is a modified version of Toyota Production System, is not a typical college degree program. The purpose of this program is to produce a well-versed technician with knowledge and skill in core manufacturing practices (safety, 5S, lean manufacturing, problem-solving and machine reliability) as well as six essential professional behaviors (attendance, initiative, diligence, interpersonal relations, communication, and teamwork).