Gestamp Starts Tool And Die Apprenticeship

Gestamp Manufacturing began a collaborative tool-and-die apprenticeship program with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center. The initiative covers six plants located in West Virginia, Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The launch includes 32 apprentices who are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Brook Southwick, director of Talent Management for Gestamp’s North American Division, stated the program addresses current skilled labor challenges. She noted the effort builds the next generation of toolmakers to support the company’s growth in the automotive industry. The program is designed to maintain a consistent training framework across the company’s multi-state operations.

The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center is funded entirely through a $7,103,847 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. This funding structure means there is no cost to Gestamp for the program. MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works unit customizes the training to fit specific company operations. They also serve as the liaison with the Department of Labor.

Jordan Dailey, tool and die development manager for Gestamp US, described the initiative as a way to create clear pathways for new workers. He began his career as a toolmaker 23 years ago without an apprenticeship program. He said the new structure helps students achieve success faster and with greater confidence.

A pre-apprenticeship component has already started at the South Charleston facility and in South Carolina. High school students in career and technical education programs work about 15 hours per week at Gestamp. They shadow team members to learn about manufacturing processes and workplace culture. Students who complete the pre-apprenticeship are considered for full apprenticeships.

In South Charleston, the pre-apprentices are students from Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center in Logan County. Principal Macel Adams said students were selected based on test scores, attendance, and their desire to join the local workforce. The students are among 37 Ralph R. Willis participants in the MAMC pre-apprenticeship program. MAMC maps student learning to DOL standards so they earn credit toward full apprenticeships.

MAMC partners with schools across West Virginia through an agreement with the state Department of Education. Schools in 13 counties currently participate in the initiative. Additional pre-apprenticeship programs are being introduced at Gestamp facilities in Alabama, Michigan, and Tennessee. Gestamp plans to launch a separate Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program in 2027 to support its maintenance departments.

Heather Cooper, director of MAMC’s Apprenticeship Unit, said apprenticeships reduce employee turnover and improve safety. She noted the programs help pass seasoned employee knowledge to the next generation. Cooper stated the goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent for companies like Gestamp.