Focus on Apprenticeships and Education at WEIMA

WEIMA has a long history of internships and apprenticeships, both in the United States and in Germany. These programs focus on various aspects of the business—from engineering to accounting—depending on the educational goals of the student. Each program is tailored to the long-term career goals of that individual.

Just last week, Regional Sales Manager, Jeremy Boggs, returned to his high school to talk about WEIMA and what we do! The Honors Business Management class at Hibriten High School hosted him for this hands-on, enlightening conversation about all aspects of the machinery manufacturing world and the important business practices that make it possible.

Boggs wanted to give these students a hands-on way to connect to the greater recycling world. Students were able to see and hold some of the materials that WEIMA processes—briquettes, metal turnings, granulate, and shredded wood among others. His main goal was to convey that there is a way to reduce a company’s environmental footprint while positively affecting the operation’s bottom line.

The structure of the presentation was more like a conversation. Students asked engaging and thought-provoking questions while holding physical examples of the materials that are diverted from a landfill regularly, thanks to the size reduction technology that WEIMA builds. The goal was to show these students that manufacturing is not only about engineering and fabrication. Design, accounting, marketing, human resources and sales all play a very important role.

“We learned so much about how the German engineering behind the machinery the company builds and sells helps other manufacturing companies reduce waste and ultimately helps save the environment. No textbook, curriculum, or test score can replace REAL life in the classroom,” said Mrs. Kelly Bryant, who teaches the Honors Business Management class at Hibriten High School.

Why are apprenticeship programs important?

The future of manufacturing depends on the next generation, and WEIMA is doing our part to get some hands-on experience for those students! Earlier this year, WEIMA America CFO, Edwin Grempels, was presented with an award at the Wood Industry Networking Summit (WINS) event, put on annually by the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) for his presentation on WEIMA’s apprenticeship program!

“It is essential for every company to raise the next generation of qualified employees,” says Grempels. Good employees are a key to success, so investing in this asset is WEIMA’s policy. Furthermore, apprenticeships need more recognition in today’s society, as most students and parents are not aware of this opportunity.”

WEIMA America is currently preparing for a new intern, who will be joining our team for the summer of 2019.

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