--- title: Fill the Skill Gap with Manufacturing Apprenticeships description: Fill the skilled workers gap with manufacturing apprenticeship programs. image: https://www.setra.com/hubfs/bigstock-Trade-School-77585819.jpg --- ** ** ** - Website Pages - Products [![Setra Systems Logo](https://www.setra.com/hubfs/setra-logo.svg "Setra Systems Logo")](https://www.setra.com/) ![drop-down-pressure](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/angle-arrow-pointing-to-right.png?width=15&name=angle-arrow-pointing-to-right.png) **[Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure)** [Differential Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/differential) [Absolute Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/absolute) [Barometric Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/barometric) [Compound Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/compound) [Gauge Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/gauge) [Submersible Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/submersible) [Vacuum Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/vacuum) [UHP Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure/uhp) **[Room Pressure Monitors](https://www.setra.com/product/room-pressure-monitors)** **[Pressure Calibrator](https://www.setra.com/product/calibration/microcal-pressure-calibrator)** **[Setra CEMS™ Software](https://www.setra.com/cems)** **[Power Meters & Accessories](https://www.setra.com/product/power-meters)** **[Particle Counters](https://www.setra.com/product/particle-counters)** **[Wireless Solution Systems](https://www.setra.com/wireless)** **[Humidity/Temp Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/humidity)** **[Dolan-Jenner Fiber Optics](https://dolan-jenner.com)** ![drop-down-pressure](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/angle-arrow-pointing-to-right.png?width=15&name=angle-arrow-pointing-to-right.png) **[Building Automation](https://www.setra.com/building-automation)** [Calibration](https://www.setra.com/building-automation/calibration-equipment) [HVAC/R OEM](https://www.setra.com/building-automation/hvac-r-oem-applications) [HVAC/R](https://www.setra.com/building-automation/hvac-applications) **[Cleanrooms](https://www.setra.com/critical-environments)** **[Healthcare](https://www.setra.com/critical-environments/healthcare)** ![drop-down-pressure](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/angle-arrow-pointing-to-right.png?width=15&name=angle-arrow-pointing-to-right.png) **[General Industrial](https://www.setra.com/industrial)** [Alternative Fuels](https://www.setra.com/general-industrial/vacuum-pressure-in-alternative-fuels) [Barometric](https://www.setra.com/general-industrial/barometric-pressure-measurement-tools) [Data Centers](https://www.setra.com/applications/data-centers/pressure-sensors) [General Industrial OEM](https://www.setra.com/quality-approved-general-industrial-oem-solutions-setra-systems) [HVAC/R OEM](https://www.setra.com/building-automation/hvac-r-oem-applications) [Medical](https://www.setra.com/applications/medical-devices/pressure-sensors) [Off-Highway Vehicles](https://www.setra.com/general-industrial/pressure-transducers-for-off-highway-vehicles) [Oil & Gas](https://www.setra.com/general-industrial/oil-and-gas-pressure-measurement) [Process / MFG Tank Level](https://www.setra.com/general-industrial/liquid-level-sensors) [Test & Measurement](https://www.setra.com/general-industrial/pressure-test-and-measurement) [Water & Wastewater](https://www.setra.com/general-industrial/liquid-level-sensors-for-water-processing) **[Semiconductor Manufacturing](https://www.setra.com/semiconductor-manufacturing-pressure-measurement)** **[Data Centers](https://www.setra.com/applications/data-centers)** **[Energy Management](https://www.setra.com/energy-management)** **[Fiber Optics](https://www.setra.com/fiber-optic-illuminators)** **[Scales](https://www.setra.com/counting-scales-and-laboratory-balances)** [![setra-nav-logo.png](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/setra-nav-logo.png?width=133&name=setra-nav-logo.png "setra-nav-logo.png")](https://www.setra.com/) ![Menu](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/moble-icon.jpg?width=30&name=moble-icon.jpg) × [Home](https://www.setra.com) Markets > [Healthcare](https://www.setra.com/critical-environments/healthcare) [Building Automation](https://www.setra.com/building-automation) [Cleanrooms](https://www.setra.com/critical-environments) [General Industrial](https://www.setra.com/industrial) [Semiconductor Manufacturing](https://www.setra.com/semiconductor-manufacturing-pressure-measurement) [Data Centers](https://www.setra.com/applications/data-centers?hsLang=en) [Energy Management](https://www.setra.com/energy-management) [Fiber Optics](https://www.setra.com/fiber-optic-illuminators) [Scales](https://www.setra.com/counting-scales-and-laboratory-balances) Products > [Pressure Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/pressure) [Room Pressure Monitors](https://www.setra.com/product/room-pressure-monitors) [Particle Counters](https://www.setra.com/product/particle-counters) [Setra CEMS™ Software](https://www.setra.com/cems) [Power Meter & Accessories](https://www.setra.com/product/power-meters) [Pressure Calibrator](https://www.setra.com/product/calibration/microcal-pressure-calibrator) [Wireless Solutions Systems](https://www.setra.com/wireless) [Humidity/Temp Sensors](https://www.setra.com/product/humidity) [Dolan-Jener](https://dolan-jenner.com/) [OEM Solutions](https://www.setra.com/custom-solutions) Resources > [Blog](https://www.setra.com/blog) [Videos](https://www.setra.com/video-resources) [FAQs](https://article.setra.com/) [Compliance](https://article.setra.com/compliance-documents) [Supplier](https://www.setra.com/support/supplier) [Current Customers](https://www.setra.com/support/customer) [Order Online](https://ecatalog.setra.com) Returns > [Services & Calibration](https://www.setra.com/support/service) [New and Unused for Credit](https://www.setra.com/product-return) [Contact Us](https://www.setra.com/help-center) # Fill the Skill Gap with Manufacturing Apprenticeships #### by [Chris Brooks](https://www.setra.com/blog/author/chris-brooks) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Apprenticeship Programs: The Solution For More Skilled Workers ![bigstock-Trade-School-77585819](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Trade-School-77585819.jpg?width=234&name=bigstock-Trade-School-77585819.jpg) A shortage in skilled labor is a serious issue in United States' manufacturing industry.  Why? There's a misconception of what kind of training someone needs to have in order to enter professions within this industry.  Many begin to build their skills through trade school before becoming a manufacturing professional.  These students don't always get the proper hands-on training that can truly prepare them for the complex world of manufacturing  Yet with these schools, there's still the perception that traditional degrees have more long-term value than vocation training. The solution starts with looking to with Germany and Switzerland's apprenticeship styled education.  Both countries implement training programs that are mutually beneficial for both the company and the worker.  Companies across the United States have followed in their footsteps by reeving up programs of their own.  Apprenticeship styled programs don't come cheap, and as a result many companies have been deterred from providing young and ambitious students this kind of hands on education.  The manufacturer would have to compensate the workers during their training and provide them the opportunity to work for the company after school. Fortunately, the government has recognized this issue.  In 2014, The Department of Labor announced that they've created a  $100 million grant to improve manufacturing apprenticeship style education programs across the country. Last year Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said: > "President Obama challenged us to double the number of apprenticeships in the U.S. over the next five years.  I like to call it the other 'four-year degree.' > > Registered Apprenticeships combine high standards, rigorous instruction and hands-on experience-all while earning good pay, getting an industry-recognized credential and avoiding crushing student loan debt.  In fact, the average starting salary of an apprenticeship graduate is $50,000.  And many graduates can transfer skills they learned on the job into college credit-meaning that they can still complete an associate or bachelor's degree, but at far less cost.  It's a win-win all around." Since manufacturing is a integral part of the United States' economy, increased implementation can only benefit domestic companies.  Donald E. Oberg, founder of Oberg Industries, has said that after on-boarding an apprenticeship program, "We've seen a triple-digit return on investment from our apprentice graduates even during difficult economic conditions." With new budgeting, the future looks bright for students who want to pursue manufacturing careers. [ CLICK HERE](http://www.industryweek.com/skilled-workers) to read more on "Why America Has a Shortage of Skilled Workers" Source: [IndustryWeek's "The Kind of Training We Need In Manufacturing"](http://www.industryweek.com/recruiting-retention/kind-training-we-need-manufacturing?utm_content=14570941&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook)   Topics: [General Industrial OEM](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/general-industrial-oem), [Critical Environments](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/critical-environments), [Process/Mfg Tank Level](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/process-mfg-tank-level), [HVAC/R OEM](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/hvac-r-oem), [Semiconductor](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/semiconductor), [Water and Wastewater](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/water-and-wastewater), [Industrial Vacuum](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/industrial-vacuum), [Test and Measurement](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/test-and-measurement), [Building Automation](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/building-automation), [Barometric](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/barometric), [Medical](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/medical), [OHV](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/ohv), [General Industrial](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/general-industrial), [Alternative Fuels](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/alternative-fuels), [Oil and Gas](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/oil-and-gas), [HVAC/R](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/hvac-r) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Critical Environments (184)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/critical-environments) - [HVAC/R (180)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/hvac-r) - [General Industrial (153)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/general-industrial) - [Building Automation (135)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/building-automation) - [General Industrial OEM (92)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/general-industrial-oem) - [Energy Management (85)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/energy-management) - [Test and Measurement (66)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/test-and-measurement) - [HVAC/R OEM (60)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/hvac-r-oem) - [Barometric (44)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/barometric) - [Alternative Fuels (42)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/alternative-fuels) - [Medical (41)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/medical) - [Process/Mfg Tank Level (40)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/process-mfg-tank-level) - [Water and Wastewater (39)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/water-and-wastewater) - [OHV (38)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/ohv) - [Oil and Gas (35)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/oil-and-gas) - [Industrial Vacuum (29)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/industrial-vacuum) - [Calibration (25)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/calibration) - [Semiconductor (25)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/semiconductor) - [Particle Counting (20)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/particle-counting) - [Cleanroom Monitoring (18)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/cleanroom-monitoring) - [Room Pressure Monitoring (17)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/room-pressure-monitoring) - [Trade Show (12)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/trade-show) - [cleanroom environment (12)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/cleanroom-environment) - [Environmental Monitoring (11)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/environmental-monitoring) - [Power Meters (11)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/power-meters) - [Scales (11)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/scales) - [Healthcare (10)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/healthcare) - [Power Monitoring (10)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/power-monitoring) - [Software (9)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/software) - [cleanroom monitoring systems (9)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/cleanroom-monitoring-systems) - [Case Study (8)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/case-study) - [critical environment technologies (8)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/critical-environment-technologies) - [data centers (8)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/data-centers) - [Humidity (7)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/humidity) - [particle counter (6)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/particle-counter) - [pressure transducers (6)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/pressure-transducers) - [LITE room pressure monitor (5)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/lite-room-pressure-monitor) - [hardware and software cleanroom monitoring systems (5)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/hardware-and-software-cleanroom-monitoring-systems) - [setra lite (5)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/setra-lite) - [Compliance (4)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/compliance) - [Video (3)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/video) - [hospital spaces (3)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/hospital-spaces) - [FAQ & Troubleshooting (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/faq-troubleshooting) - [Monitoring Compounding Pharmacies (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/monitoring-compounding-pharmacies) - [Semiconductor Manufacturing (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/semiconductor-manufacturing) - [agencies that monitor pharmacies (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/agencies-that-monitor-pharmacies) - [energy (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/energy) - [hvac (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/hvac) - [laboratories (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/laboratories) - [monitor compound pharmacy (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/monitor-compound-pharmacy) - [protected environment (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/protected-environment) - [regulatory compliance (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/regulatory-compliance) - [setra lite features (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/setra-lite-features) - [usp 797 (2)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/usp-797) - [Application Note (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/application-note) - [Current Sensors and Transducers (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/current-sensors-and-transducers) - [Current Transformers (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/current-transformers) - [Lithium-Ion Battery (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/lithium-ion-battery) - [Pressure (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/pressure) - [aerospace cleanrooms (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/aerospace-cleanrooms) - [cems (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/cems) - [digital transformation (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/digital-transformation) - [ipv6 multicast (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/ipv6-multicast) - [ipv6 multicast address (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/ipv6-multicast-address) - [ipv6 multicast address range (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/ipv6-multicast-address-range) - [isolation room pressure monitoring (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/isolation-room-pressure-monitoring) - [multicast address ipv6 (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/multicast-address-ipv6) - [multicast ipv6 (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/multicast-ipv6) - [operating room (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/operating-room) - [pharma 4.0 (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/pharma-4-0) - [pressure sensor (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/pressure-sensor) - [pressure transducer companies (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/pressure-transducer-companies) - [semi conductor (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/semi-conductor) - [sensors and transducers (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/sensors-and-transducers) - [setra pressure transducers (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/setra-pressure-transducers) - [submetering (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/submetering) - [sustainability (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/sustainability) - [temperature monitor (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/temperature-monitor) - [temperature monitoring for pharmacies (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/temperature-monitoring-for-pharmacies) - [transducers (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/transducers) - [usp 800 (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/usp-800) - [water (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/water) - [what does hvac stand for (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/what-does-hvac-stand-for) - [what is a transducer (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/what-is-a-transducer) - [what is hvac (1)](https://www.setra.com/blog/topic/what-is-hvac) [see all](https://www.setra.com/blog/apprenticeships-can-benefit-your-company#) [![HVAC Catalog Cover Image 1](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HVAC%20Catalog%20Cover%20Image%201.png?width=160&name=HVAC%20Catalog%20Cover%20Image%201.png "HVAC Catalog Cover Image 1")](http://setrasystems.uberflip.com/setra-systems/hvac-catalog-feb-2017)   **HVAC Catalog**   This comprehensive HVAC Product Catalog is now available online. [Download the PDF now.](http://setrasystems.uberflip.com/setra-systems/hvac-catalog-feb-2017)   - [**](https://www.facebook.com/SetraSystems) - [**](https://twitter.com/setrasystems) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/user/SetraSystems) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/setra-systems) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/setrasystemsinc/) [Service & Calibration](https://www.setra.com/support/service) | [Products](https://www.setra.com/products) | [Service/RMA](https://www.setra.com/support/service) | [Supplier](https://www.setra.com/support/supplier) | [Customer](https://www.setra.com/support/customer) | [Contact Us](https://www.setra.com/contact-us) | [FAQs](https://faq.setra.com) | [About](https://www.setra.com/about) | [Careers](https://careers.fortive.com/gems-setra/) | [Request Quote](https://www.setra.com/request-a-quote) | [Blog](https://www.setra.com/blog) Cookie Settings 159 Swanson Road Boxborough, MA 01719 | [orders@setra.com](mailto:orders@setra.com) [+1 (978) 263-1400 ](tel:+19782631400) Copyright © 2026 Setra Systems. All Rights Reserved. | [Terms & Conditions](https://www.setra.com/terms-and-conditions) | [Privacy Notice](https://www.setra.com/privacy-policy) | [ISO 9001:2015 Certified | ](https://www.setra.com/hubfs/ISO%20Setra%20LLC%202025.pdf)[Prop 65](https://www.setra.com/prop65) | [Patents](https://www.setra.com/patents) | [Cookies](https://www.setra.com/cookies) [![Setra Systems Logo](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/setra-systems-logo_white-1.png?width=100&name=setra-systems-logo_white-1.png)](https://www.setra.com/)[![Ralliant logo](https://www.setra.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ralliant_Logo_SingleColor_White_RGB.png?width=125&name=Ralliant_Logo_SingleColor_White_RGB.png "Setra Systems is a Ralliant Company")](https://www.ralliant.com/)