Students recognized for participation in apprenticeship program

The Raymond Corporation recently recognized high school seniors who have spent about two years contributing to Raymond through its Youth Apprenticeship Program at an apprenticeship senior night in Greene, N.Y., on May 21, 2013. The apprenticeship program at Raymond allows students to experience what careers are available in the manufacturing industry. Held in conjunction with Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and the Greene School District in New York, the apprenticeship program has welcomed more than 58 students since 1991.

“The Youth Apprenticeship Program has a profound impact on students by engaging them in opportunities that develop their leadership skills — helping to mold them into professional young adults,” says Teal Gaylord, coordinator of the Youth Apprenticeship Program at Raymond. “I encourage more companies to become involved in the Youth Apprenticeship Program with BOCES and take an active role in the professional development of our local students.”

Following each apprenticeship term, Raymond holds an annual apprenticeship senior night, where student apprentices share the skills they have acquired as a result of the program. Students typically highlight increased knowledge related to areas such as workflow process, quality improvement and material handling.

The Youth Apprenticeship Program, coordinated through BOCES, is part of Raymond’s commitment to improve the future of manufacturing. It allows junior and senior high school students to explore multiple career options in the material handling industry. The program provides a firsthand look at the intricacies of manufacturing and encourages students in their career pursuits.

Attesting to the overall success of this program, Raymond has hired many past participants as full-time employees at its headquarters.