Gregory Riach was selected to participate in a work-based learning opportunity at Masterson’s Manufacturing in February 2011.  Greg was eager to learn new skills and the employer recognized his motivation and enthusiasm right away.  Through the hands on work-based learning (WBL) assignment Greg was able to utilize the technical skills he learned in HJCA’s advanced manufacturing class and secure a full time job offer at this company.  Manufacturing businesses have expressed concern regarding their aging workforce and difficulties finding younger, skilled workers interested in manufacturing careers.  Masterson’s Manufacturing is solving this dilemma by taking on our advanced manufacturing trainees as work-based learning interns and building on their existing technical skills to meet their workforce needs by hiring them upon successful completion of their WBL assignment.