As Chris Hutchins entered his senior year of high school at Washington High in fall 2017, he had to decide what the future held for him. Hutchins was not sure what he wanted to do, but he knew obtaining a four-year post-secondary schooling degree was not of interest to him; he wanted to work with his hands. Hutchins learned about the German American Chamber Apprenticeship Program from his guidance counselor.



The German American Chamber Apprenticeship Program provides parents and their high school student the opportunity to learn about trade occupations available for those students like Hutchins. This program presents students with an opportunity to complete their secondary education while participating in an apprenticeship program where students apply their training in an actual job setting and receive compensation for their time outside the classroom.

The German American Chamber Apprenticeship Program and Washington High School worked with AUMA Actuators, Inc. to arrange a factory tour and an opportunity for students to further understand the technical and manufacturing opportunities available. Once the apprenticeship program is completed, a certificate is awarded to the student, which makes him or her viable candidates for employment. The apprenticeship program is recognized by German manufacturers and allows students to launch their career debt free.

Hutchins embraced this opportunity and started with AUMA Actuators, Inc. in October 2017. While preparing for his high school graduation, Hutchins worked in the factory at AUMA Actuators, Inc. for 2 hours a week while completing electronic courses via Skype 2 hours a day.

On June 7, 2018, Hutchins graduated from Washington High School and is now a full time employee at AUMA Actuators, Inc. When asked about his apprenticeship Hutchins said, "I enjoyed the program as a whole. I am interested in the product, electronics and production. I know this apprenticeship was the right decision for me and has been a great stepping stone to an enjoyable career."

In addition to working 40 hours a week at AUMA Actuators, Inc., Hutchins will attend CCAC in fall 2018 to further his studies in Mechatronics. AUMA Actuators, Inc. is thrilled to have Hutchins and support the German American Chamber Apprenticeship Program and other students interested in establishing a skill set that will help them enter the workforce and become employable.