APP 101 – Quality Tech

January 2026 Update to interested employers:

• Per request, QCT will now include Lean Six Sigma education and capstone project to prepare apprentice for Green Belt certification test #youaskedwedelivered
• Apprentice(s) name, hire date, and contact info (email, mobile) – send now if you have it; Mentor(s) name, contact info (email) – send now if you have it
• If you applied for HDAP funding, announcements will be made in March per TCSG. 
• At last count, we have 9 apprentices with a goal of 16.
• 1/16/26 Due Date for Top State Grant that opened this week for $2k/apprentice 
• 3/2026 you’ll receive class start and schedule for up to three 8-hour class days/mo for May , June, July 
• 5/2026 classes start.
• 3/16/26 Due Date for forms and contact info:
  • EAA, ETA 641, Appendix A, WIOA IWT (attached) (info you’ll need: QCT Apprenticeship: ONET 017326.00, RAPIDS 0462; Sponsor: LTC or NGTC)

Zoom Link – Recording Passcode: H&%jz#n6

“AI Notes” Quick recap
The meeting focused on a Quality Control Apprenticeship Program that will launch at Lanier Tech and North Georgia Tech in spring 2026. The program is a two-year USDOL-registered cohort model that combines on-the-job learning with technical instruction, offering customized training for both existing employees and new hires. The discussion covered program costs, benefits, and next steps for employers, including a survey to indicate interest in participating.

Summary

Quality Control Apprenticeship Program Launch The meeting discussed the Quality Control Apprenticeship Program, highlighting its success with graduates. Greg explained that the program is a two-year, USDOL-registered cohort model developed in collaboration with employers, suitable for both existing employees and new hires with or without quality experience. The program’s components include on-the-job learning, quarterly updates, with a planned start in March/April 2024, following registrations and applications completed by January.

Quality Control Apprenticeship Program The meeting discussed a quality control apprenticeship program offered through Lanier Tech and North Georgia Tech. Greg explained that the two-year program consists of 4,000 work hours of on-the-job learning and 300 hours of related technical instruction. The program covers various skills in quality control, such as safety, measurements, and professional leadership. Greg emphasized that companies can customize the program to fit their specific needs. The related technical instruction takes place at technical colleges and includes 300 hours of classroom training over two 8-hour days per month. Greg also discussed the Capstone Project, which allows apprentices to work on a company issue or opportunity in the final months of the program. The conversation ended with a review of the program timeline and next steps for employers and candidates to get involved in the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Program Progress Update Shelley hosted a meeting about apprenticeships, where she announced that about 30% of attendees were ready to proceed, while 58% were still considering the decision. She emphasized the benefits of apprenticeships for building a sustainable pipeline and that companies find success with this approach. The meeting included a Q&A session, with the first question being about whether students and apprentices would be eligible for the LSS Greenbelt, which was raised by Elliott during a previous RTI discussion.

Six Sigma Training Curriculum Integration The group discussed Six Sigma training in the curriculum, with Greg taking on the assignment to explore offering both white or green belt certifications. Shelley emphasized the importance of aligning the training with existing requirements and mentioned that the next cohort would begin in March or April, meeting twice a month for a total of 300 hours over two years.

Quality Control Technician Apprenticeship Program The meeting discussed a quality control technician apprenticeship program, with Greg explaining the program’s structure, costs, and benefits. They clarified that while the program costs $500 per participant per month, grants and workforce development initiatives may cover up to $4,400 per apprentice, resulting in minimal or no cost to employers. The program uses a mix of credit instructors and industry experts to teach topics like analytics, caliper usage, and interpersonal communication. Employers were advised to choose existing employees as apprentices, with Adam noting that employer-sponsored apprenticeships have a 96% retention rate. The next steps involve employers completing a survey to indicate their interest in participating, with the program set to start in spring 2026.

Next steps Adam to check with the state office about whether non-US citizens with green cards or visas are eligible for the DOL apprenticeship program, Employers to complete the SurveyMonkey link to indicate their interest level and next steps for the Quality Control Apprenticeship Program, Employers to identify potential apprentices and mentors for the program if they plan to participate, Employers to prepare business information and consider progressive wage scale implementation for apprentices, Adam and Greg to discuss potentially incorporating Six Sigma Greenbelt certification into the curriculum.
Zoom AI Summary with Shelley’s edits 102125.sl.wsg