Investing in people has long been one of the wisest business strategies. Tegra Medical’s dedication to foster employee development through apprenticeships was recognized November 15, 2023, when Secretary Lauren Jones of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) visited the company’s headquarters in Franklin, MA along with State Representative Jeffrey Roy.
The visit was part of Massachusetts Apprenticeship week, which in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Week takes place during the second week of November each year and is organized by EOLWD and the Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS).
Tegra Medical offers several apprenticeships certified by DAS: toolmaking, Swiss machining, grinding, Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and laser operations. In the spirit of earning while learning, apprentices receive full tuition reimbursement and are paid to learn on the job.
“Tegra Medical strongly believes in manufacturing in the state of Massachusetts. The way to sustainable success is driven by developing highly skilled labor for our demanding processes,” said Benjamin Stölzel, General Manager at Tegra Medical. “Thanks to the great collaboration with The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and their apprenticeship team we have been getting approvals for our career paths that are developed around the Swiss apprenticeship model, which is one of the core pillars of the SFS Group.”
Secretary Jones and Representative Roy met with four current apprentices and two graduates of the program, as well as Tegra Medical executives. The group toured the manufacturing facility, getting a first-hand look at the skilled work that is required to manufacture complex surgical instruments, implants, and medical device components.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is the executive branch office of Massachusetts state government that provides oversight and assistance to the state’s businesses, workers, and jobseekers. The Division of Apprentice Standards is responsible for promoting, developing, and servicing registered apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts.