Building Skilled Talent from Within

As demand for skilled trades continues to grow, Besser Company recognized the importance of developing a long-term strategy to strengthen its workforce. Like many employers, they needed a structured pathway to help employees gain the required skills while continuing to work. The company wanted to formally train and develop employees in the Millwright occupation, but needed guidance on how to turn existing training efforts into a structured Registered Apprenticeship Program.

That's where Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium stepped in.

Working closely with Apprenticeship Specialist Jeremiah Johnston, Besser partnered with Michigan Works! to develop and register a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program for Millwrights. Rather than starting from scratch, Michigan Works! helped build upon training already taking place through Alpena Community College, aligning the related instruction with the hands-on work experience required for a Registered Apprenticeship.

As the program sponsor, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium developed and maintains the apprenticeship standards while providing ongoing guidance, documentation, and support throughout the registration process. This allowed Besser to focus on developing employees while ensuring the program met national apprenticeship standards.

Today, Besser has two active Millwright Registered Apprentices, including Kenneth Leschinger, who is being mentored by Manufacturing Manager Brandon O'Neil. Through the apprenticeship model, employees receive structured training, gain valuable on-the-job experience, and learn directly from seasoned professionals, helping preserve critical knowledge and prepare the next generation of skilled trades workers.

Besser's success demonstrates that Registered Apprenticeship doesn't always require creating a new training program. By building upon existing employees and education partnerships, employers can maximize their current investments while creating sustainable talent pipelines. The program also supports Besser's long-term succession planning, ensuring the company continues to develop the skilled workforce needed for years to come.

PHOTO: Besser’s Manufacturing Manager, Brandon O’Neil, registers Kenneth Leschinger, who is signing on for his Millright Registered Apprenticeship Program. Apprenticeship Specialist Jeremiah Johnston stands behind.