Continental plant in Nebraska initiates apprenticeship program for high school students

“We welcome the opportunity to be a part of the next level of education for those Norfolk High School students who not only wish to attend college, but also want to add to their portfolios of knowledge and expertise gained in a manufacturing environment such as Continental,” said Rob McClenaghan, human resource manager at Continental’s Norfolk plant. “We are pleased to offer this first of its kind program in Norfolk and Continental is equally proud to help enrich students learning and help the community grow.”

The apprenticeship program is designed for Norfolk high school junior or senior class students with a 2.5 GPA or higher.  The student also must be taking part in the autobody or metal careers academy at the school.

“In general, our plant will expose the students to a typical manufacturing environment including the use of machinery, control panel utilization, parameter changes to specs and process monitoring,” said McClenaghan. “This will include a variety of tasks related to production, but all will be monitored by Continental employees and follow strict plant safety and environmental policies.”

Apprentices will be paid for their work at a ratio comparable to journey workers for adequate supervision.

The technology company wants to enable young talents to develop their abilities in the best possible way, and to make optimal use of their skills. Therefore, in its human resource development programs, Continental considers the different development levels of the individual employees. Globally, more than more than 2,100 young people are taking part in either a bachelor’s degree program or an apprenticeship.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2018, Continental generated sales of €44.4 billion and currently employs around 245,000 people in 60 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental division offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With around 47,000 employees in 42 countries and sales of some 6.3 billion euros (2018), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.