Apprenticeship Leads to Full-Time Position at Bosch for Brandon Adger

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 1506

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/6/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- This August, Brandon Adger won't be among the hundreds of college graduates pounding the pavement in search of a first job.

Following graduation from Tri-County Technical College, he will, as he has for the past two years, report for work at the Robert Bosch Corporation. With a General Engineering Technology degree in hand, Adger will be promoted from apprentice to manufacturing technician.

For the past two years, Adger was among the 12 students selected to participate in Bosch's prestigious apprenticeship program that provides participants with an opportunity to begin technical training (while still in high school or as a current Bosch associate) and to enjoy career-enhancing benefits. Adger attends class at Tri-County two days a week and works three days at the plant. He receives a 40-hour paycheck for 20 hours of work per week, and Bosch has paid the tuition and all educational expenses for his two years of study.

"It's nice pay and a good deal," said Nick Johnson, apprentice instructor at the Anderson plant.

Adger is an apprentice in the company's training department, where he works with machining, does electrical work and supports department projects to improve production and to reduce costs, said Johnson.

"It's a lot of work, but I saw a wonderful opportunity," said Adger, of Pendleton. "It's challenging and you really have to focus." Adger was the only Youth Apprentice from Pendleton High School who took classes at Tri-County during his senior year and received dual college credit.

The benefits for Adger were numerous, said Johnson, who himself started as an apprentice in Tri-County's program and graduated in 1994. "Apprentices receive a weekly 40-hour paycheck while in the program, Bosch pays for tuition, and Brandon will receive a Journeyman Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor." Most importantly, he is guaranteed a position.

"It will be very easy for him to be promoted," added Johnson. The program is designed to give persons the skills to make them easily promotable."

The benefits for Bosch are equally as rewarding, he says. "We produce technicians who are familiar with the processes in the department. We know what we are getting -- guaranteed high performances."

"It's a win-win situation for both students and industry," said Butch Merritt, director of Tri-County's Job Placement and Cooperative Education Office. "Following graduation, the company has a custom-trained individual just for their manufacturing process, and the student receives top level training, a weekly paycheck and valuable experience."

"Brandon has done well," said Johnson. "His attitude is impressive and has helped his ability to earn and to retain information. He is willing to learn and to listen. He will be a top-notch technician. He has been a pleasure to teach."
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