Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices, has announced that 13 adult students have graduated from its CNC Machinist Apprentice Program.
The apprentices were awarded certificates of completion in a graduation ceremony held on June 12, at Western Michigan University's AMP Lab in downtown Grand Rapids. This program covers the necessary schooling required by the State of Michigan to receive a certified Journeyman card. Six of the graduates also received their Journeyman card upon program completion and the other seven graduates are working to complete the necessary hour requirements.
The year-round program requires graduates to complete 728 hours of classroom instruction and 91 weeks to complete. Students maintain a full work-schedule while training over a two-year period. Completion of the program puts them on the path to receive an associate's degree, earning 27 college credits. The company runs two classes at a time and they are looking to hire another class for 2020.
The 2019 graduating class includes Joshua Bos, Kevin Bultman, Nicholas Calhoun, Jacob Estrada, Mitchell Ferguson, Phillip Kasper, Scott Kok, Daniel Martinez, Benjamin Page, Jean Reynoso-Rodriguez, Jerrittia Roseburgh, Taylor Sluiter and Alexander Stenberg.
As a token of their appreciation, the students presented Instructor, Andy Beach, with a lightsaber featuring a stand they machined themselves. Beach, a 20-year industry veteran and senior CNC machinist and programmer, has been training students in the program since 2017.
Beach said, "Getting to know and work with the students over that time period is a reward in itself. At the end, I am blessed to consider them friends and honored to welcome them into the workforce as Journeyman machinists."
Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), John C. Kennedy, President/CEO of Autocam Medical, and John Kennedy, IV, General Manager of Autocam Medical, were also present for the event.
Autocam Medical is a global contract manufacturer of precision-machined drill bits, drivers, screws, plates, cutting tools and other complex, surgical implants, instruments and hand pieces, as well as other device components. Clients are involved with instruments and devices used in procedures including the foot and ankle, hand and wrist, hip and knee, shoulder and elbow, spine, as well as ophthalmology and craniomaxillofacial procedures. The company has achieved ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certification and is FDA Registered and been awarded a VISA certificate in Brazil. Facilities are in the U.S., China and Brazil.
For more information contact:
Autocam Medical
4162 East Paris Avenue SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
877-633-8080
www.autocam-medical.com