From High Schooler to Journeyman: A Path to Great Opportunity

James is a junior in high school. Since he was a kid, he enjoyed working with his hands and figuring out how things worked. His curiosity did not fade as he grew older; he was always willing to try something new. Throughout his schooling, he liked most the classes which let him build things – a volcano in science class, a birdhouse in woodshop. When his teachers talked about opportunities to become a mechanical engineer, he became very interested.

James scheduled some time to talk with his guidance counselor. Mr. Ortega helped him enroll in some engineering-related courses at the high school career and technical center, like machine tool programming and mold design. James learned that he really liked programming the CNC machines.

Keeping in regular contact with Mr. Ortega, James shared what he was learning at the technical school with him. During one of their meetings, Mr. Ortega remembered a “co-op” opportunity at a local manufacturer called Reddog Industries. Mr. Ortega helped connect James with the hiring manager there. After an interview, James was offered a part-time position as a pre-apprentice toolmaker, which allowed him to continue to go to school and take technical courses while working at Reddog.

James didn’t know everything when he started working at Reddog, and he wanted to learn more about engineering and manufacturing. He listened to his colleagues with more experience and asked a lot of questions. He enjoyed his co-op experience so much that he decided to work full-time at Reddog during the summer before his senior year of high school.

During his senior year, James was faced with a lot of decisions. His heart was still set on mechanical engineering, but he knew that he needed a 4-year degree to enter this profession. He felt conflicted and overwhelmed, so he talked to his teachers and his mother and father.  His parents agreed that a 4-year degree would help propel James’ career forward. His teachers offered that getting into the workforce and getting experience would be a great way to figure out what he wanted to do.

One day, while James was working a shift at Reddog, his supervisor approached him and asked him what his plans were after high school graduation. James was honest and told Andy about his confliction. Andy expressed that he understood James’ desire to advance, and he offered him an option he hadn’t thought about.

Andy talked to James about apprenticeships and explained how an apprenticeship at Reddog could help James progress toward his career aspirations. An apprenticeship is an “earn while you learn” opportunity, which allows entry-level workers to work and earn a wage while attending specific classes to develop their knowledge and skills. Andy said that James could advance every year and, in about 4 years, mature into a “journeyman toolmaker.” From there, Andy said, James could explore different specializations.

James knew that a full-time job where he got paid to learn was almost too good of an opportunity to pass up. He started his apprenticeship after high school graduation with a full-time position with benefits at Reddog.

Four years later, after becoming a journeyman (with no student loan debt), James decided he wanted to pursue an associate’s degree to become a mechanical engineering technician. After obtaining his degree, James was able to assume more responsibility at Reddog. As a result of James’ willingness to try new things and Reddog’s investment in him, James remained with the company for several years.

According to Bill Hilbert Jr., President and CEO of Reddog Industries, James’ story is not unusual. Employees at Reddog, a supplier of high-quality dies and molds and specialized machining for over 40 years in Erie, regularly advance and stay with the company for years. This is a result of Reddog’s commitment to its employees, according to Hilbert. “We care about and support employees while also challenging them to grow with the company,” Hilbert said. “We try to meet employees’ financial, mental, physical, and emotional needs. As a result, employees are often more productive, satisfied, and willing to stay at the company long term.”

From the start, entry-level compensation is competitive, and, as Hilbert notes, “for the employees that show a strong commitment to learn the skills needed, advancement is almost certain.” For a journeyman who continues through the apprenticeship program, bi-annual pay increases can be expected. After completing their apprenticeship, a journeyman can choose to specialize in an area, which could lead to an even greater salary.

No matter your skill level, if you’re interested in engineering or industrial technology, you can take advantage of opportunities in manufacturing in Erie. To learn more, talk with your school guidance counselor. Explore apprenticeship opportunities by connecting with Reddog or other local manufacturers on this site, and check out these informational resources!