Apprenticeship Programs for Machinists: Josh Ruggles

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week (November 15-21), we had the opportunity to catch up with Josh Ruggles, who works at Corning Inc. and takes classes at SUNY Corning Community College through the apprenticeship program. Josh set aside time - despite working, taking classes, and raising a family - to talk with us about his experience in the apprenticeship program.

 

Q: How has or how will this apprenticeship help you move forward/advance in your career?

A: The apprenticeship for me is an opportunity to move from a production level job to a trades job. The apprenticeship that I am in is not state certified, however it is an opportunity offered by Corning Inc. to hire machinists from within their company. 

 

Q: What type of support have you received from the company you work with during this process?

A: Corning Inc. during this apprenticeship has offered flexible work hours to take courses at Corning Community College. They have also provided me with on the job training with "Class A" machinists to help iterate and refine the skills learned at Corning Community College. The courses at Corning Community College have given me the building blocks to learn the trade from the ground up.

 

Q: What type of support have you received from CCC during this process?

A: Being an adult student can be overwhelming and difficult at times but the faculty and instructors at the college are always understanding, flexible and so helpful with any life situation. The apprenticeship has been an astonishing experience to say the least. I have learned a lot thus far and have much more to learn. To me, the trade is so fascinating and it keeps me excited to want to learn more.

 

Q: What has your experience in the apprenticeship program been like?

A: Machining is a forever evolving industry, there are always new high tech machines being designed as well as new tooling to be implemented to current machines to remove more material faster and more efficiently. I feel that so far in my time in the apprenticeship, I have learned a lot and I have been able to slowly transition towards becoming a machinist.