Rickey is one of 19 Twin Cities residents who is participating in Hired’s Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. The Hired program is supported by a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Drive for 5 grant in partnership with Normandale Community College and employer partners Seagate Technology, Polar Semiconductor and Philips. The Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program prepares people for employment in the growing fields of medical and microelectronics manufacturing. It can be the first step to a manufacturing career with significant growth opportunity.
Participants earn while they learn through this unique program, which includes a paid, full-time 12-month internship at one of the employer partners, virtual coursework through Normandale Community College, the opportunity to earn 14 college credits, and earn a Certified Production Technician credential. This combination of hands-on experience, college coursework and industry-recognized credentials prepares participants with the skills and experience needed to launch a successful career in advanced manufacturing.
Rickey applied to the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program with a strong desire to transition into a stable, high-tech career in the semiconductor and medical device industry. His previous experience as a small business owner and content creator helped him develop valuable project management, design, communication, and problem-solving skills. These experiences sparked his interest in contributing to the precision and innovation of advanced manufacturing. His previous work as an aircraft cleaning supervisor prepared him well for the highly structured work environment.
Rickey’s dedication and strong performance led to him being selected for an earn-and-learn pre-apprenticeship with Polar Semiconductor, where he is working as a pre-apprentice completing coursework at Normandale Community College. As part of the program, Rickey is working toward earning 14 college credits and a Certified Production Technician credential, putting him on a strong path toward a long-term career in advanced manufacturing.
Throughout his training, Hired supported Rickey’s success by providing a laptop, transportation assistance, and car repair support to help ensure he had reliable transportation for both training and work. Today, Rickey is not only earning a paycheck, but he is also earning college credits, building industry-recognized skills and creating a foundation for long-term career growth. His journey reflects the impact of workforce development programs that connect motivated individuals with the training, support and opportunities they need to turn their goals into reality.
