Shortage of Skilled Talent turned Apprenticeship Program

Zimmerman & Sons Electric prides themselves on the belief that their customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. The company faced a shortage of qualified Electricians. To recruit skilled talent, Jason Zimmerman of Zimmerman & Sons Electric attended an informational luncheon about apprenticeships in March 2020 hosted by GST Michigan Works! During the luncheon he received information about the benefits of creating a US DOL Registered Apprenticeship. In March 2021, Jason Zimmerman began customizing a Registered Electrician Apprenticeship program.

While creating a US DOL Registered Electrician Apprenticeship program, Jason and his team customized a work process for On-the-Job Learning, customized curriculums for the required related technical instruction, established a candidate selection process, and set a wage progression scale to meet the company’s needs.

Zimmerman & Sons Electric’s apprenticeship program was somewhat unique because the company selected four training providers for apprentices to choose from. GSTMW! Apprenticeship Department worked very closely with Jason to finalize each intricate step of the program, including coordinating meetings with all training partners involved.

In August 2021, Zimmerman & Sons Electric’s registered apprenticeship for an Electrician was approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeships.  GSTMW! Apprenticeship Department is currently working to assist Jason with registering internal candidates as apprentices for their Electrician program.  Working with GST Michigan Works! to write their apprenticeship program enabled Zimmerman & Sons Electric to qualify to receive grant funding for On-the-Job (OJT) training reimbursement, related technical training funds, and supportive services for their apprentices.