Bekum America Apprenticeship Program - 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion

This article appeared in the December 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Since 1979 — long before the shortage in talent within the industry became an ongoing challenge — Bekum America Corporation recognized the need to train the next generation of industry professionals.

By 1995, the company began its Apprenticeship Program, which is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Bekum then established a dedicated Apprentice Training Center in 2019, providing a modern space for classroom learning, hands-on instruction and technical practice.

“Bekum America has become more like a training atmosphere, where everyone helps train the next generation,” says Senior Machinist Glen Hile.

For five decades, Bekum has been instrumental in building the careers of hundreds of professionals, many of whom are now in leadership roles within the company. With the 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion Award, MMA celebrates Bekum’s dedication to shaping the next generation of industry professionals in Michigan and around the world.

Bekum America Apprenticeship Program

With global headquarters in Berlin and U.S. headquarters in Williamston, Bekum America specializes in building extrusion blow molding machines, providing packaging solutions for the agriculture, consumer apparel, automotive, food and beverage, household, medical, pharmaceutical and industrial industries, among others.

The Apprenticeship Program aligns Bekum’s core business operations and leadership focus with hands-on workforce development, says Human Resources Manager Amber Stein. The program focuses on six key skilled trades disciplines: maintenance electrician, electromechanical technician, fabricator assembler, machine builder, machinist and mechatronics technician.

“This broad scope allows apprentices to explore diverse career paths within manufacturing while mastering the specialized skills needed to excel,” Stein says.

Using Bekum’s production floor as a dynamic learning environment, apprentices are integrated into active customer projects, mentored by senior technicians and guided through a structured, DOL-registered curriculum.

“By reinvesting its expertise and resources into young talent, Bekum is not only securing its own future workforce but actively contributing to the sustainability of Michigan’s manufacturing industry,” Stein says. “Several current leaders, department heads and master technicians at Bekum began their careers as apprentices or trainees, a testament to the company’s dedication to creating upward mobility and retaining skilled talent.”

Building From Within

One of these individuals is Service Supervisor Dan Reinecke, whose high school instructors encouraged him to apply for the program. Through the apprenticeship, he was able to expand his technical knowledge in the electrical department, as well as learn more about sales and engineering.

Apprentices listen to and respect the expertise of employees, particularly those who have been there for 20 or 30 years, so having good mentors is the key to a successful program, he says.

“On top of that, if apprentices are having difficulty at school or any part of the job, they feel comfortable to go to the mentors,” Reinecke adds, “They’re not just teachers but also friends.”

Assembly Supervisor Steven Roberts says life has come full circle for many Bekum team members who got their foot in the door through the apprenticeship. They have advanced through the ranks, been elevated to management roles at Bekum, trained the next generation of apprentices and even had the opportunity to watch their mentees guide the next group of apprentices.

“A lot of our older mentors or younger mentors are taking pride in training the apprentices,” Roberts says. “They feel good. The apprentices appreciate the help, so it’s a great culture.”

Reaching Future Talent

Bekum’s certified Apprenticeship Program is only one of many ways the business is introducing skilled trades to future talent. Bekum has also built strong partnerships with key workforce stakeholders, helping expand access to skilled trades opportunities for a diverse group of candidates.

As an active MMA member, Bekum participates in talent-related roundtables, legislative discussions and member forums focused on workforce development.

“The company has shared best practices from its apprenticeship model with other members and has been a vocal advocate for policies that promote technical education and industry-education collaboration,” Stein notes.

Bekum also supports STEM education outreach, Manufacturing Day and National Apprenticeship Week, and it partners with the Society of Plastics Engineers to raise awareness of career paths in advanced manufacturing.

“[Bekum’s] leadership team serves on workforce advisory boards, and the company contributes resources to promote manufacturing as a viable and rewarding career option for all generations,” Stein adds.

Bekum America Corporation is being honored as the 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion today but it has always been a trailblazer for manufacturing talent for decades, recognizing that developing a strong workforce is essential not only to its own success but to the long-term strength of Michigan’s manufacturing industry.

The Manufacturing Talent Champion award is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.

The 2025 Manufacturing Talent Champion award was sponsored by Wolverine Building Group. Visit online: wolvgroup.com.