A diverse group of local business professionals, state officials, workforce development leaders and elected officials gathered at AUMA Actuators, Inc. (AUMA-USA) Tuesday, July 24, 2018 to tour the facility and discuss the future of today's youth considering career opportunities that do not require a four year college degree. Jerry Oleksiak, secretary of the state Department of Labor & Industry, Eileen Cipriani, deputy secretary for Pennsylvania Workforce Development and state Senator Camera Bartolotta led the discussion centering on apprenticeship programs and funding for training and related matters.



Much of the dialogue centered on apprenticeship programs similar to the program Chris Hutchins was enrolled in through Washington High School and the German American Chamber Apprenticeship Program. Hutchins has been hired by AUMA-USA as a full-time employee after successfully completing the apprenticeship program. While in his senior year of high school, Hutchins worked at AUMA-USA 2 hours a week and took courses for 2 hours a day via Skype to earn his certificate and high school diploma.



AUMA-USA is delighted to host elected officials and local businesses to our manufacturing and sales organization. Topics covered during the roundtable discussion are of great importance and impact those in our communities. "With the decline in the number of people employed in skilled trades, it is critical to teach today's youth that manufacturing is of great value and provides a financially healthy livelihood," said AUMA Actuators, Inc. President Matt Thiel. "This is why we support the apprenticeship program, as well as various other education programs throughout our local high schools."