Our goal at ArtiFlex is Bringing Skilled Trade Awareness and Resources for the next generation of employees at ArtiFlex. The initiative to raise awareness is targeted to help develop individuals and advance their career in manufacturing.

We meet our goal by fully sponsoring United States Department of Labor recognized Apprenticeships.

What is an Apprenticeship? An Apprenticeship helps to develop, grow, and retain a skilled workforce in technical areas to produce qualified, highly-productive employees for careers requiring precision skills.

Through combined hands-on training programs plus education, you’ll gain both practical experience and education to become a skill trades professional.

Apprenticeships are 4 years of on-the-job learning totaling 8,000 hours, as well as related classes through Grand Rapids Community College.

As a Tool and Die Apprentice you will learn to analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Common GRCC Courses: Technical Math, TIG Welding, Industrial Graphics with CAD, NX, Die Design, Gauges for Measurement, GD&T, Industrial Physics, Industrial Safety, Manufacturing Principles, Metallurgy, Statistical Process Control, and Supervision.

Hands on Training: Bandsaw, Lathe, Computer Education, Finish Detail, Drill Press, Surface Grinder, Milling Machine, Bench, Layout and Assembly, Heat Treating, Welding, and Tryout.

As a Machine Apprentice you learn to set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Common GRCC Courses: Technical Math, Machinist Handbook, TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Industrial Graphics with CAD, NX, Die Design, Gauges for Measurement, GD&T, Industrial Physics, Industrial Safety, and Metallurgy.

Hands on Training: Benchwork, Drills, Heat Treating, Welding, Lathe, Milling Machine, and CAM Software

As a Machine Builder Apprentice at our Automation Division you learn how to construct, assemble, or rebuild machines that automated a manufacturing process.

Common GRCC Courses: Technical Math, Industrial Graphics with CAD, Machine Trades Blueprint Reading, SolidWorks, Metallurgy, MIG and TIG Welding, Electrical, Controls, PLC, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and Industrial Physics

Hands on Training: Mills, Lathes, Drill Press, Surface Grinder, Band Saw, Heat Treating, Welding, Blueprint Reading, Detail Manufacturing, Bench, Layout and Assembly, Plumbing and Sensor, Debug and Service, Bench, Layout and Assembly, Plumbing and Sensor, Debug and Service.

As a Machine Repair Apprentice you will learn to diagnose, repair, and perform maintenance on manufacturing equipment. This includes disassembling and reassembling equipment; repairing and replacing malfunctioning components of machinery observing and testing operations of machinery; clean, lubricate, and adjust parts, equipment, and machinery; study blueprints and manufacturers’ manuals; cut and weld metal; and preventative maintenance.

Common GRCC Classes: Technical Math, Machinist Handbook, MIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Industrial Mechanics, , Industrial Safety, Hydraulics, Electrical, and Metallurgy.

Hands on Training: OSHA, disassembly and inspection techniques, assembly adjustment and set-up techniques, basic welding, turning, milling and grinding, basic hand tool operation, basic electricity, and machine operations.