GPS Ed is excited to introduce a series of videos that captures work-based learning case studies from businesses, alumni, and stakeholders. The business case study reveals why apprenticeships are so relevant for stakeholders from the perspective of John Koetz, President of the Surface Mining division at Komatsu explains the great importance this program has for stakeholders and the students.

The Workforce Solutions Summit

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is a nationally recognized company that helps build the success of equipment manufacturers across the country with 1,000+ members and representing 200+ product lines. GPS Ed sponsored the summit while also taking part in the presentation to address research-based solutions for recruiting and retaining employees. GPS Ed’s successful collaboration with Komatsu in creating a program for developing young professionals made for an inspiring topic at the conference. The summit went over some of the best practices for building a workforce:

• Learn how to bring the equipment manufacturing industry’s most successful workforce strategies to your organization
• Hear from expert speakers on a variety of workforce topics
• Learn how to find and utilize workforce resources in your community

Student to Hired Employee: The Successful Collaboration

GPS Ed’s collaboration with Komatsu has helped many high school students get into the workforce and gain valuable experience in a manufacturing business. Trevor Koeppen and Jackson Kupkovits are examples of recent 2021 GPS Ed graduates that were hired by Komatsu after graduation. You can learn more about their story in the video, Komatsu and GPS Ed Career Training Program. Joe Graef, a 2002 GPS Ed graduate, is now the Production Supervisor at Komatsu and guides new apprentices toward success in manufacturing. Graef also is introduced in the video and discusses how impactful this program is for students but for the businesses’ growth as well.