GRC NEWS RELEASE 01-092 01-092 For Release: November 28, 2001 James M. Giomini Media Relations Office 216/433-2901 Lori J. Rachul Media Relations Office 216/433-8806 Lori.j.ralchul@grc.nasa.gov 2001 Graduating Class Feeds Northeast Ohio Job Market The number of qualified trades apprentice candidates in Greater Cleveland will soon increase by eleven thanks to an award-winning partnership between NASA's Glenn Research Center, Cleveland and West Side Industrial Retention and Expansion Network, or WIRE-Net. In addition, Glenn's Apprenticeship Program will graduate five students who will continue to work at the Center in skilled trade areas. On Friday, November 30, these new and valuable assets to the region's labor market will receive their certificates of completion from Governor Bob Taft at OAI from 1 - 3 p.m. The Governor will also be the keynote speaker and will address the critical importance of skilled trades education and training. "This group of dedicated individuals will provide local companies with an important advantage to help meet their growth and expansion objectives," said Rick Reames, human resources specialist at Glenn. "The Glenn/WIRE-Net partnership is proud to have collaborated on this important training program directly benefiting the greater Cleveland labor market." Graduates of this program completed the first steps to becoming a machine operator, a precision machinist or a tool and die maker. Through job placement efforts of this program, graduates may begin careers in the machine trades with local industry. Some graduates may be selected for four-year apprenticeships in the machine trades, while others may begin their careers without further training. The intensive, 32-week program involved classroom training in mathematics, shop theory, blueprint reading and life skills. In addition, the program included extensive time spent on the shop floor, acquiring skills in bench work, lathe and milling operations, surface grinding and drill press operation. Criteria for acceptance into the program were rigorous. Candidates demonstrated a commitment to working in skilled trades, strong proficiency test scores and compliance with federal economic guidelines. Graduates have earned required credentials from National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc. In recognition of this program's success, Glenn was awarded a 2001 Trailblazer Award in the Employer category. Trailblazer Awards are given annually by the National Network of Sector Partners, an organization dedicated to improving employment and economic development opportunities for low-income individuals, families and communities. The collaboration was especially applauded for implementing recruitment, assessment, retention and placement practices. This program continues to train workers for many Cleveland manufacturers, which in turn, helps them remain viable employers in the region. Additionally, the program serves educators as a demonstration site for precision machining training while integrating other knowledge and skills critical to obtaining a position in the qualified technical workforce. Pre-Apprenticeship graduates and their hometowns are: Angelito Arellano Cleveland Ernest Bass Cleveland Mario Crayton Cleveland David Embry Cleveland Paula Goodman Cleveland Todd Jewitt Cleveland Daniel Lilly Cleveland Michelle Lyons Cleveland Jessica Santos Cleveland Stephen Skaggs Cleveland Christopher Webb Cleveland NASA Glenn Apprenticeship graduates and their hometowns are: Philip Bastian Parma Sandra Buettne North Eaton Township Michael Grier Lakewood Valarie Roundtree Cleveland Angela Surgenor Fairview Park # # # Note to Editors/News Directors: Media representatives interested in attending the graduation ceremony are asked to call ahead to James Giomini or the Media Relations Office (216-433-2901). OAI is located at 22800 Cedar Point Road, Cleveland. -end-