The application period is now open for an innovative two-week Manufacturing Boot Camp program to be conducted by The Hershey Company in June.
The training program is designed to help fast track individuals with high school diplomas or GEDs to an in-demand, top-paying career, as well as generate qualified applicants for Hershey’s Industrial Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship program. Training is provided by Hershey and supported through a $4 Million American Apprenticeship Initiative grant awarded to the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board (SVWDB) by the U. S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration.
The Boot Camp is now in its second year and is geared for individuals who want to learn more about working in a food manufacturing operation. Anyone with a high school diploma or GED is eligible to apply, and selected participants will be paid to attend. The first week is held at the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, and consists of classroom training on manufacturing, safety, and regulatory requirements in a food manufacturing operation, what it means to be a registered apprentice, as well as ‘soft’ skills like teamwork, problem solving, and managing personal finances. Participants also receive an intensive orientation from Hershey employees on their working environment, expectations, and tips on how to achieve career success. Week two is conducted at Hershey’s Stuarts Draft plant, where students work on the job, coached by Hershey trainers and supervisors.
Participants are selected for the Boot Camp following completion of an application process, and will be paid $11.95 per hour to attend. Successful completers of the program will be invited to continue working at $11.95 through System One staffing firm. Successful performance and attendance could lead to consideration for a direct position at Hershey that starts at just over $19 per hour.
Applications will be accepted through mid-May. Anyone interested should visit www.vcwvalley.com/hershey-boot-camp for more information and to fill out an interest form, or TEXT “Apply for Boot Camp” to 540.435.7679. For more information contact Heidi King at [email protected].
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