Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) 

 

The U.S. manufacturing sector is predicted to produce nearly 3.5 million jobs over the next decade. But with more than 20% of manufacturing workers set to retire by 2025 and new technology driving evolving skills requirements, more than 2 million of those jobs could go unfilled. 

ManpowerGroup and Rockwell Automation have partnered to create an innovative solution, The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing, in which we train military veterans for careers in high-demand technical roles. Expanding on Rockwell Automation’s highly successful Engineer-in-Training (EIT) program, AAM is a 12-week intensive program, designed specifically for veterans, with a curriculum that combines technical classroom training and hands-on lab experience with professional development and soft skills training.

There is a large skills gap currently in the U.S. Advanced Technician is currently the 7th hardest job to fill according to ManpowerGroup’s U.S. Talent Shortage Survey. Additionally, as digital technology is continually developed, it is rapidly evolving the skills needed to meet the demand of employers. Cost of training continually escalates as you try to not only close the current gap, but also a new gap resulting from the skills evolution.

ManpowerGroup and Rockwell Automation have partnered to help create a solution for manufacturing clients that have a pressing need to augment their workforce with technically inclined individuals to stay competitive. It’s a Win-Win situation. Participants desire to acquire new skills and want to significantly increase their earning potential. Manufacturing employers get access to highly skilled candidates, eliminating the significant time and costs they would typically incur to recruit, assess and train those new hires. 

You can apply directly by filling out the AAM application form.

All applications will be reviewed by an AAM recruiter who will reach out to applicants about next steps. If you have not heard back within 2-3 business days after completing an application, please contact us at veterans@manpowergroup.com.

AAM Participants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered-
  • Must either be a veteran or a service member of the United States Military
  • Able to commit to the 12 week training program
  • Must be able to relocate post-program to the area in which you obtain a job offer
  • AAM is structured for individuals with an electrical/electronic background paired with mechanical aptitude. The program requires knowledge and experience with basic electrical fundamentals, theory and mechanical capabilities, which includes experience with hardware and software use, basic system/equipment installation, set up, troubleshooting, testing, repair and maintenance.

Our recruiting process includes these steps-

  1. Our first conversation - we will determine if the program is the right fit for you.
  2. You will submit an online application and complete a short online assessment.
  3. You will connect with an AAM team member to review your results, dive deeper into your background and experiences, as well as defining how this program can work for the next step in your career.
  4. You will complete an online technical assessment to understand your existing electrical and mechanical knowledge.
  5. There will be a final interview with a member from our AAM technical team – these instructors are individuals you will be working with throughout the 12 week training program.

You will know if you have been accepted 1-2 weeks after the interview with our technical team. You will be notified at least 2-3 weeks before your class will start, and our AAM team will be communicating with you throughout the process.

Classes are conducted in our state-of-the-art facilities in Milwaukee, WI and Cleveland, OH.

The AAM training is a full-time commitment. You can expect 40-46 hours per week, Monday through Friday, starting at 8 am.

We have multiple classes throughout the year. Check out the upcoming class dates.

AAM is an intensive, specialized, hands-on, 12-week training program.

There is no cost for qualified veterans to join AAM. We also provide full room and board as well as training wages. All you have to do is get to our training facility and commit to the process.

  • Lodging in a Dorm/Hotel style suite - includes private bedroom/bathroom, a shared kitchen & common-living area
  • Meals
  • Curriculum/Training (Technical and Professional)
  • Laptop/Equipment/Tools (provided for use during training)
  • Transportation between lodging facility and training facility

Upon successful completion of the AAM program, students are certified as an Instrumentation, Automation and Controls Technician (IACT). For more details, see the certification list.

The AAM curriculum includes both technical and professional skills sets. Review the full curriculum.

Veterans completing the program are certified by Rockwell Automation as Instrumentation, Automation, and Controls Technicians and have the opportunity to be placed – through a formal interview process - with partnering manufacturing clients who have critical high-tech, advanced manufacturing roles to fill. Training and career placement will relate to Instrumentation, Automation, & Controls Technician (IACT) roles and responsibilities with wage potential starting around $50,000 per year (+/- conditional on role/location/shift/etc.).

Our students have the potential for placement anywhere within the U.S. Company locations vary per class.

We provide each student with the opportunity to obtain employment directly with participating companies through a formal interview process that takes place during the 12 week program.

Roughly 30% of the curriculum is focused on your professional development. Resume workshops, practice interviews and personal career coaching will provide you with the needed skills and best practices to leverage during the formal interview process.

Please contact us directly at veterans@manpowergroup.com. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing.