Gestamp Launches Registered Tool-and-Die Apprenticeship
The manufacturer is partnering with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center to scale skilled trade training across six states.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Jobs — General
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Gestamp has launched a U.S. Department of Labor registered tool-and-die apprenticeship program across facilities in West Virginia, Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The initial intake includes 32 apprentices and is designed to standardize training and secure a talent pipeline.
Why it matters
The program addresses chronic skilled labor shortages in the manufacturing sector by providing a consistent, nationwide training curriculum. This initiative ensures that Gestamp can maintain high operational standards while offering career paths to students across multiple states.
The initiative covers 6 plants and features 32 initial apprentices supported by a $7,103,847 federal grant. Pre-apprentices are currently working 15 hours per week across 13 West Virginia counties.
The players
Gestamp
An international manufacturer specializing in the development and production of metal components for the automotive industry.
Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center
An organization that provides technical training, equipment, and administrative support for manufacturing education programs.
U.S. Department of Labor
The federal agency responsible for promoting the welfare of job seekers and wage earners and overseeing registered apprenticeship standards.
Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center
A vocational institution in Logan County, West Virginia, where students participate in the company's pre-apprenticeship program.
The details
The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) is providing technical instruction and curriculum customization to meet Gestamp's specific needs. Additionally, high school students in pre-apprenticeship programs are shadowing employees to gain direct experience in manufacturing workflows.
Timeline
October 2026: The apprenticeship program was officially announced.
2027: Gestamp plans to launch a new Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program.
Market Landscape
This program follows the standards set by the U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship program to ensure industry-wide qualification credibility. It represents a broader shift toward corporate-academic partnerships as manufacturers compete for specialized talent.
Students and job seekers in participating regions gain access to paid, structured training pathways that lead to stable careers in manufacturing. For the broader public, these initiatives aim to stabilize the regional workforce and support local economic development.
The takeaway
Standardized apprenticeship programs are becoming essential for manufacturers looking to maintain production quality across disparate geographic locations. Individuals can seek out similar local vocational partnerships to gain entry into high-demand technical trades.
What happens next
Gestamp plans to launch a Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program in 2027.
Further reading
Find more details on workforce development trends at the Jobs — General section.
More information
View full details regarding the MAMC apprenticeship program information on their official site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
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