Trelleborg Invests in Toolmaker Apprenticeship

During the four-year program, participants will learn to construct, troubleshoot and repair molds, fixtures and related tools under the guidance of experienced mentors. Trelleborg will hire graduates as Toolmaker, Class B or Machinist, with eligibility for promotion to Toolmaker, Class A.

Trelleborg anticipates the apprenticeship will raise awareness and interest amongst those seeking a challenging trade opportunity.

Chris Tellers, Innovation Center and New Product Development Director, says: “Many high schools don’t offer robust trade programs and most people don’t know what it means to be a toolmaker. It’s a very technologically advanced line of work that takes perseverance and a willingness to learn.”

The program also serves as a great addition to Minnesota’s growing med-tech landscape. Kevin Ehlert, Business Unit President of Medical Device Solutions Americas, says: “Trelleborg is in the heart of Medical Alley in Minnesota and our toolmaker apprenticeship will continue to strengthen the state as a med-tech leader.”

The program not only provides opportunities for those interested in a skilled trade but also enables Trelleborg to strengthen its goal of being an innovative partner for customers. “We want to continue delivering the value customers have come to expect. When we talk about providing speed to market and cutting-edge capabilities, it starts with tools and people who know how to build them,” explains Ehlert.

Additionally, newly trained toolmakers will help Trelleborg provide multiple services to customers under one roof. Tellers says: “Some companies partner with independent tool houses overseas. We are making a strategic investment to provide most of our services inhouse. We want to own the design and control the quality of the tool to ensure we pass on the highest quality of products to our customers. The toolmakers who graduate through this apprenticeship program will help us do that.”

Trelleborg also plans to expand its footprint at its Delano, Minnesota facility to take on larger projects and accelerate the design and development cycle for customers. As part of the expansion, Trelleborg will add additional Swiss machining tools that will require the talents of skilled toolmakers.

The apprenticeship program will include mentoring and training in the following areas:

• Tool building and mold maintenance
• Computer numerical control (CNC) and electrical discharge machining
• Tool design and automation
• Mold processing and operations
• Computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software
• Quality
• Safety

To learn more and apply for the program visit trelleborg.com/en/career/vacancies and search listings under Manufacturing & Maintenance or go to apprenticeship.gov and search Trelleborg using the Apprenticeship Job Finder.