All Weather Architectural Aluminum Launches Apprenticeship Program

All Weather Architectural Aluminum (All Weather) launched its first annual Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program this past summer. The apprenticeship program was designed to create a career pathway for graduating high school students who are mechanically inclined but are not immediately pursuing a college degree. 

Five high school students, Anthony De La Cruz, Armijo High School; Nancy Hernandez, Vacaville High School; Victor Lopez, Will C. Wood High School; Gabriel Campana, Will C. Wood High School; and Chase Scott, Will C. Wood High School, were chosen for and graduated from All Weather’s inaugural manufacturing apprenticeship program.

About the apprenticeship

Held at the company’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in Vacaville, California, the  annual 12-week paid apprenticeship program began in mid-June and ended in mid-September.

Over the course of the 12-week paid program, each apprentice received extensive on-the-job training, exposure to multiple departments, performance reviews and weekly group training sessions for topics like lean manufacturing, human resources, safety, purchasing and new product development. 

“The goal of this training is to help them see the big picture, how the work they do in one department has such a significant impact on the rest of our company and our customers,” says Jason Wright, plant manager, All Weather. 

End goal of the program

The program helped the apprentices identify areas within the company that might be the best fit for them, and to develop networks and connections throughout the company. 

After completing the program, all five of the graduating apprentices were offered full-time positions at All Weather. Jobs at All Weather offer long-term career advancement opportunities, competitive pay, full benefits package, and training and development opportunities, says the company.

“We feel there is a mutual need to create a clear pathway for our local youth to join Vacaville’s manufacturing community,” says Sarah Harper, president, All Weather. “As employers, we are always trying to find new ways to find and attract motivated employees to join our team.”