Apprenticeship Program was Launching Pad for Bosch Technical Trainer

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 1506

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/19/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

ANDERSON --- Nick Johnson is always looking for a challenge.

That's one of the reasons he applied for the Bosch apprenticeship program while he was studying for a General Engineering Technology degree at Tri-County back in 1992.

The program's requirements are high, but the payoff is worth it, said Johnson, who was selected to participate in the prestigious 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.

The benefits for apprentices are numerous, said Johnson, who graduated in 1994. Apprentices receive a weekly 40-hour paycheck for 20 hours of work while in the program. Bosch paid the tuition and all educational expenses for his two years of study. In addition, he received a Journeyman Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. Most importantly, he was guaranteed a position at the Anderson plant.

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

"It's nice pay and a good deal," added Johnson, but more importantly, "it's a way to go to school, to work and to make yourself promotable."

Which is exactly what he did.

After three years as a production technician, he was named apprentice supervisor/technical trainer in 1997.

"After graduation, I worked all shifts over the entire plant on different lines and received several promotions. My current position came open, and I was ready. I had a good understanding of systems equipment and troubleshooting skills. It was an excellent opportunity, and I wanted to take advantage of it."

"I was honored to become an instructor," he added.

But with teaching came a new set of challenges. "I have developed a new respect of teachers. Teaching requires time away from the classroom to get prepared and to make sure that classes run smoothly. It's very satisfying to watch students make progress and to become successful."

As an instructor, he is concerned with students learning how to learn. "We offer goods hands-on skills for six hours a day. It's a full day," he said. He also interviews next year's apprentice candidates and keeps the program current with technology and develops new course outlines. "The curriculum is constantly changing, and we want to keep it dynamic."

As a senior at Westside High School in the late 1980's, he never dreamed he would be a teacher.

After graduating, he says he was unsure of a career choice. At 16 he joined the Marine Reserves and served in Desert Storm from 1991 – 92. The following year he entered Tri-County and the apprenticeship program and began working as a production technician at Bosch. "Bosch has a good relationship with Tech. The program was a launching pad for me. It gave me the technical skills and allowed me to develop technically and professionally. I was able to integrate the leadership skills I learned from the Marines into the business atmosphere. I always wanted to go to school, and Bosch afforded me the opportunity. College would have been much different for me without the apprenticeship program. The Tech classes did a good job of providing hands-on application to support the theory. The faculty gave support outside of class, and it made a difference," he said.

Johnson is furthering his education by pursuing a B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology at S.C. State University. "I want to further my education so I can grow as an individual," he said.
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