04/01/2025
We are excited to announce that Orizon Aerostructures has launched a CNC Machinist Registered Apprenticeship program in Oklahoma.
Thank you to Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance for the guidance and support throughout the development of the Apprenticeship program. We look forward to working together with the shared goal of developing a skilled workforce with a nationally accredited program and certification award to the successful Apprentices.
Oklahoma manufacturer Orizon, headquartered in Grove, is looking to elevate its workforce through a customized apprenticeship initiative. Orizon worked with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance in the program design for their CNC Machinist Registered Apprenticeship Program, helping them improve the skills of their employees, while recruiting new employees for the program. A ceremonial kickoff was held last week.
Registered apprenticeship programs developed in collaboration with the OMA are targeted at relevant skill needs and assist manufacturers in implementing a program designed around their customized, individual requirements. A clear example of individual requirements is Orizon’s need for a skilled workforce of CNC Machinists. Through the launch of the registered apprenticeship program, Orizon will be able to fulfill these specific skill needs and grow their workforce to facilitate their continued business expansion.
“A registered apprenticeship program is a great way for Oklahoma manufacturers to create a workforce solution where they can take current employees or recruit students—young people as well as seasoned individuals—and give them a viable career path with national accreditation,” said Sharon Harrison, Ed.D., OMA’s VP of Workforce Development and owner of Harrison Consulting Group.
Joshua Fink, Orizon VP of Machining comments: “We view this apprenticeship program as a method to building successful people who will become the future leaders of the organization. This program will create opportunities for people to develop personal, business, and technical skill sets benefiting themselves, the community, and our business. At Orizon we manufacture the most complex aerospace components in the industry, having a trained, talented workforce is key to our continued growth, and success. We have been pleased to work with OMA in developing this program for the benefit of all stakeholders.”- Josh Fink, Orizon VP, Machining.
“An apprenticeship program is essentially a ‘learn and earn’ model that’s been proven nationally to lead to better skills and 92 percent retention within the manufacturing industry,” said Dave Rowland, President of the Manufacturing Alliance. “We need to find ways to create a consistent job pipeline. It is the industry’s No. 1 problem.”
For more information or to apply for your company to be a part of the apprenticeship program, contact program facilitator Dr. Sharon Harrison at [email protected].
Pictured sitting from left:
Charlie Newell, Orizon CEO
Tamara Atkins SPHR SHRM-SCP, Orizon Director of Human Resources, Machining & Engineering
Stewart Harrison, Director of Workforce for Harrison Consulting
Henry Newell, Orizon President
Standing from left:
Sharon Harrison, OMA VP of Workforce Development
Joel Samuels, Employee Health & Safety and Technical Trainer for Orizon Grove location
Joshua Fink, Orizon Vice President for Machining
