Build Your Future Workforce
North Texas manufacturers are facing a growing workforce shortage as experienced machinists retire and fewer young people enter the skilled trades. The North Texas NTMA Workforce Development Programs help member companies connect with students pursuing careers in precision machining and advanced manufacturing through internship, pre-apprenticeship, and future apprenticeship pathways designed to strengthen their future workforce pipeline.
Why Hire Students?
The Manufacturing Workforce Challenge
Manufacturers across North Texas continue to face:
- Skilled labor shortages
- An aging workforce nearing retirement
- Difficulty finding dependable entry-level talent
- Increased competition for experienced machinists
- Limited time and resources for recruiting and training
Waiting until students graduate often means competing for a very small talent pool. Building relationships with students earlier helps manufacturers develop loyalty, improve retention, and train employees to fit their company culture and processes from the beginning.
Internship Program with Optional Pre-Apprenticeship Track
The North Texas NTMA Internship Program connects manufacturers with high school and trade school students who have completed introductory machining coursework and are ready for hands-on industry experience.
Students work during the school year while continuing their education, allowing employers to develop future talent early while evaluating long-term fit within their organization. Students may also choose to participate in an optional NTMA-U pre-apprenticeship pathway to further strengthen their technical knowledge and prepare for future apprenticeship opportunities after graduation.
The program supports participating employers through program guidance, workforce partnerships, and standardized training resources designed to help create successful internship experiences.
Participating employers can:
- Build a pipeline of future employees
- Identify high-potential students early
- Reduce long-term recruiting challenges
- Help develop industry-ready talent
- Strengthen connections with local schools and training programs
- Support the future of precision manufacturing in North Texas
Eligible students may qualify for workforce funding programs that can help offset internship wages.
Growing Regional Partnerships
North Texas NTMA is proud to partner with multiple school districts across the Dallas-Fort Worth region to help build the future manufacturing workforce pipeline. Current school partners include:
- Arlington ISD
- Farmersville ISD
- Lewisville ISD
- Mansfield ISD
- Northwest ISD
Additional school and trade school partnerships are currently in development. These partnerships help connect NTMA member companies with students already pursuing careers in precision machining and advanced manufacturing.
Sign Up to Host Interns Today!
Please complete the Employer Interest Form to learn how your company can connect with emerging manufacturing talent and help strengthen the future workforce pipeline in North Texas.
Apprenticeship Program & Upskilling
North Texas NTMA is exploring future apprenticeship and upskilling pathways designed to help manufacturers develop, retain, and advance skilled employees within the precision machining industry.
These future initiatives may provide participating employers with structured opportunities to strengthen technical skills, support employee growth, and create long-term career pathways within their organizations.
Additional apprenticeship and upskilling opportunities for manufacturers will be announced as the program develops.