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National Apprenticeship Week Spotlight: Jozimar, Tecomet

Read how a manufacturing apprenticeship has helped Jozimar Matimano gain new perspective and real-world knowledge of a fast-growing industry.

This apprentice interview is part of a series highlight apprentice success stories during National Apprenticeship Week 2020.  To read more about how CCSNH & ApprenticeshipNH are celebrating the week, please click here.

Apprentice Name: Jozimar Matimano
Industry: Manufacturing
Town: Manchester, NH
Place of Employment: Tecomet, Inc.
Community college name: Manchester Community College

What were you doing before you became an apprentice? Did you have any ideas about career paths you would like to pursue?

I was a student at the New Hampshire Job Corps Center. I am an artist and a very hands-on person and I’ve always liked the idea of having a job where I could create something.

 

How did you hear about the apprenticeship opportunity and what made it seem like a good fit for you?

The managers from Tecomet came and gave a presentation to my Job Corps class about their apprenticeship program. Manufacturing sounded interesting to me and like it would fit my interests and provide a good job opportunity for me.

 

How long is your apprenticeship, and how far along are you right now?

I am nearly finished my apprenticeship – I completed the classroom instruction back in August and am working now on getting my certificate of completion from the Office of Apprenticeship.

 

What has been the best part of your experience as an apprentice so far?

The best part is that I’ve widened my scope and vision for what I can do in manufacturing. I have developed new skills, but I’ve also learned so much about different aspects of the manufacturing industry as well.

 

What are some of the biggest ways you feel your apprenticeship has impacted you?

It’s helped me a lot both academically and personally. I have been exposed to different departments within the company, I’ve learned a lot about the different machinery, and have an overall better understanding of how manufacturing companies work.

 

Who has helped and supportive you during your training and education?

Everyone at Tecomet including human resources and manager have been very helpful.  My former counselor and teacher at Job Corps have checked in with me a lot to see how things are going.

 

What do you think are some of the common misconceptions people have about apprenticeship?

People might think that the apprenticeship might take too long, or that it’s too hard or complicated.  It’s a lot more than just a training program that you do and the move on. My advice to others would be that if you get an opportunity like this, take it and try your best to stick with it.  It can be challenging and you may face some obstacles, but it will be worth it in the long run.

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