Steel Warehouse's Apprenticeship Program Hits New Enrollment High and Future Expansion Plans

Record Enrollment in Steel Warehouse's Apprenticeship Program

In a significant milestone, Steel Warehouse, a prominent steel processor and service center, has announced its highest-ever enrollment in its registered apprenticeship program. The program, which continues to grow since its inception, is currently training nineteen apprentices across three different locations in Indiana and Ohio. This surge in participation not only underscores the program's success but also reflects the company’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce in the manufacturing industry.

Steel Warehouse is planning to expand its apprenticeship initiatives into new regions, including Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a new facility in Hickory, North Carolina. These efforts indicate the company's dedication to building careers from within and addressing the increasing demand for skilled workers in the sector.

A central feature of the apprenticeship program is its hands-on approach, where apprentices train one-on-one with experienced mentors while earning a full wage. This model allows participants like Gregory Watts, a current apprentice, to express their gratitude for the opportunities they have received. Gregory notes, "The program has taught me that with a little bit of hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything. When I'm done, I'll have a good career and room to keep growing."

Since the program graduated its first apprentice in 2010, more than twenty individuals have successfully completed the three- to four-year training, earning a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion as either a millwright or laser technician. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that approximately 93% of apprentices retain their employment after completing the program, which Steel Warehouse has experienced consistently over its 15+ years of operation.

Ted Lerman, the CEO of Steel Warehouse, emphasizes the importance of these apprenticeships: "For Steel Warehouse, apprenticeships mean something more. They're a commitment to our employees' futures, a pipeline for skilled professionals, and a foundation for growth, for both the individual and for our organization." This statement reflects the company’s strategic view that investing in employee training and development not only benefits individual careers but promotes overall corporate growth as well.

Participants in the program do not need prior experience or assume the burden of tuition costs to access high-quality training and education. In partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and Tooling U-SME, apprentices receive comprehensive technical education as part of their training, equipping them for successful careers in manufacturing.

As Steel Warehouse seeks to address the skilled labor shortage within the industry, it continues to encourage both current employees and potential job seekers to consider this pathway to a rewarding career. For those interested in learning more about the opportunities available, information can be found on their website at Steel Warehouse Apprenticeship Program.

About Steel Warehouse

Founded in 1947, Steel Warehouse is a family-owned leading steel processing and service center headquartered in South Bend, Indiana. The company serves a range of customers across demanding industries, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and fabricators. With18 locations throughout North America and Brazil, Steel Warehouse offers an extensive inventory of steel alongside comprehensive distribution, shipping, and processing capabilities. Their product range includes slit coiling, sheeting, plating, and cold-rolled steel, with a focus on ensuring quality in surface finishing, dimensional accuracy, and grade consistency.

Having developed a reputation for integrity and customer service for more than 75 years, Steel Warehouse continues to be a pivotal player in the steel industry, prioritizing workforce development through initiatives like their apprenticeship program.