Industry and education leaders came together in Burley on Nov. 14 to celebrate and support 10 new students who signed contracts and enrolled in the Machine Operator School-to-Registered Apprenticeship Program (STRAP). The program began in 2017 and continues to be a great option for high school students interested in careers in the manufacturing industry.

McCain Foods and High Desert Milk, program supporters from the beginning, consistently participate, support and provide opportunities for local students to train for food processing jobs in high demand occupations at their companies.

Mini-Cassia’s machine-operator training program is a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship. Job seekers enrolled in a Registered Apprenticeship program can join the workforce and receive paid, on-the-job training leading to a recognized certification or credential to work in an industry of interest.

Students from Burley, Declo, Minico and Cassia high schools attended the annual enrollment event and signed contracts to participate in the program, while representatives from McCain Foods, High Desert Milk, the Cassia County School District and the Idaho Department of Labor looked on in support.

The program gains more attention each year. Parents support the program and former students encourage their siblings to participate.

“One of the great successes of the program is seeing the siblings of three former students enroll,” said High Desert Milk Human Resource Manager and STRAP instructor Tory Bailey.

John Reidlinger achieved a significant milestone. After successfully completing the mandatory hours of training and on-the-job training, he received a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, marking his progression from an apprentice to a journey-level operator. John shared experience with the group, encouraging new students to work through the training and assured them their efforts would yield rewarding results.

Mini-Cassia’s machine operator program is continually recruiting new businesses to participate in the program. The more businesses that participate will result in greater opportunities for students to enter the manufacturing industry and a stronger pipeline of technically skilled workers.

Magic Valley businesses interested in apprenticeship programs should email apprenticeship@labor.idaho.gov or visit apprenticeshipidaho.gov for more information.

Chet Jeppesen, supervisor 
Idaho Department of Labor