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Paragon Medical to Offer State Certified Apprenticeship Programs

(Pierceton, IN) – Paragon Medical, Inc. in cooperation with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, United States Department of Labor, released today that it will begin a certified apprenticeship program for the trade of Machinist.  Paragon has received state approval and will begin apprenticeship programs for Machine Operators and Journeyman Machinists.

The Machine Operator curriculum is a two-year program and the Journeyman Machinist is a four-year program.  Employees enrolled in these programs will be assigned to a Journeyman Machinist for outlined on-the-job training.  In addition, each program involves classroom training.  Paragon has partnered with Tri-County Vocational School in Kendallville for the classroom training requirements.  Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a journeyman or machinist certification.  Both programs offer a built-in wage progression.  Employees who progress successfully through their respective curriculum will be eligible for wage increases during their training, culminating in journeyman wage assignment.

Pre-employment testing will be used for screening applicants and for placing them in classes.   New employees, as well as, current Paragon employees will be eligible for consideration into these apprenticeships.  Candidates will have an opportunity to test out of some courses and to obtain waivers for some of the required on-the-job training hours based on their prior work experience and education. 

“There is a serious labor shortage in the Warsaw/Kosciusko County area for skilled machinists,” stated Tobias Buck, Chairman & CEO for Paragon.  “There are several companies competing for the same resources and it is difficult to find enough skilled labor in these fields.  We believe that in order to fill the demand we must “build on our own”.  Karen Boling, Human Resource Training Specialist, Paragon Medical, added, “The apprenticeship program allows employees an opportunity to improve their technical skills and enhance their qualifications for employment.  It also benefits Paragon as employees who complete these programs will be trained in all areas of Operations giving Paragon a very flexible workforce.”

About Paragon Medical, Inc.

Paragon Medical is a single source, turnkey supplier of surgical instruments, implantable components, custom and standard instrument delivery systems to the worldwide medical device marketplace, with a concentration in the hip, knee, spine, trauma and sports medicine disciplines. Incorporated in 1991, Paragon Medical's utilization of advanced manufacturing technology, UG® certified engineers, rapid prototyping, virtual information transfer and vertical integration allows them to adapt a wide range of services to support the strategic needs of the customer, with innovative solutions. Offices and production facilities are located in Pierceton, Indiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Fairfield, New Jersey; Pompano Beach, Florida; Smithfield, Utah; and Lausanne, Switzerland. More information about the company may be found at www.paragonmedical.com.

Contact:       Tabitha Cooper

                    Paragon Medical, Inc.

                    574-594-2140