How Milton Hershey School Pre-Apprenticeship Program Prepared Me for Workforce

By Allen Snyder, MHS Senior

In August, Milton Hershey School gave me the opportunity to participate in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Students in the program completed a two-week training that helped us prepare to enter the workforce after graduation.

I decided to participate in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program because after meeting with the team from the Manufacturer’s Association, I realized it was an opportunity I could not afford to miss. 

I unknowingly prepared for the experience by obtaining a summer job in the MHS Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Department. This position gave me a better understanding of the safety and efficiency measures people in the workforce use every day. Mr. Victor Gibson, MHS automotive teacher, also helped me prepare for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program by providing our class with an automotive course that applies the practices used daily by automotive service technicians around the globe. 

The program was split into two sections: classroom time and shop time. In class, we learned about lean manufacturing techniques. For example, companies place striped lines on a warehouse floor to indicate designated forklift routes. These lines help other workers be safe. We also learned how to use measuring equipment and perform the calculations necessary to take full advantage of tools available, and OSHA workplace safety.

During the second part of the program, we went to the shop at the Manufacturer’s Association where we practiced what we learned in the classroom. There, we used precision milling equipment to build a cell phone holder.  

I really enjoyed the Reese’s plant tour. There, we had the opportunity to see lean manufacturing tactics and OSHA safety standards in use. Reese’s employees use these safety methods to make a product people love. There was equipment running the entire time we were there, and they made some really good smells! 

As a result of attending the workplace safety lessons, we earned OSHA 10 General certifications. 

Since the Pre-Apprenticeship experience, I have used many of the procedures we went over in my day-to-day life. When I work at home, I often use many of the food safety procedures mentioned in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. 

As I near graduation, I hope to further expand what I have learned to work even more efficiently and safely.