*New* Registered Gluer Apprenticeship Program
At Southern Champion Tray (SCT), investing in our business has always meant investing in people.
That commitment is taking another step forward with the launch of SCT’s new Registered Gluer Apprenticeship Program, developed in partnership with the City of Chattanooga and BuildWithin. The program creates a structured pathway for team members to develop specialized manufacturing skills, gain hands-on experience, and build careers with room to grow.
BUILDING CAREERS FROM WITHIN
Gluer equipment plays an important role in SCT’s manufacturing operations, requiring technical knowledge, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of quality and production.
Through the Registered Gluer Apprenticeship Program, participants will develop these capabilities through structured learning, hands-on training, and guidance from experienced operators.
The program reflects something SCT has long believed: some of the best talent for our future is already here, or right here in our community.
“This apprenticeship is really about stewardship, investing in people, and preserving knowledge,” said Kerri Gailey, Talent Development Manager at SCT. “Some of our most experienced operators have spent years developing skills that can’t be learned from a manual alone. We have a responsibility to capture that expertise, pass it on to the next generation, and leave the organization stronger than we found it. What makes me especially proud is that this program was built by SCT, for SCT. Our operators, trainers, leaders, and partners invested countless hours sharing their knowledge to create a clear pathway for team members who want to grow. I’m excited about what this means for our people, our operations, and the future of workforce development at SCT.”
INVESTING IN CHATTANOOGA
Bringing the program to life has been a collaborative effort with the City of Chattanooga’s Workforce Development Office and BuildWithin, two partners committed to expanding career opportunities and strengthening the local workforce.
The City’s workforce development initiatives focus on connecting residents with meaningful employment and helping local businesses develop the skilled talent they need to succeed.
“We are thankful for the investment that Southern Champion Tray has made to develop and launch this registered apprenticeship program,” said Dr. Andrew Hudson, Director of Workforce Development Strategy for the City of Chattanooga. “Registered apprenticeships are the gold standard in workforce development and unlock opportunity for jobseekers to learn and earn. We are hopeful that this program will grow and inspire other employers to adopt and expand this tool in other occupations as well. It has been an honor to support and partner with Southern Champion Tray in this endeavor.”
BuildWithin supports these efforts by helping employers establish registered apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience, structured training, and opportunities for career advancement.
“The quality that has set SCT apart for nearly 100 years comes from skills passed from one operator to the next, one shift at a time,” said Philip Minardi, Co-Founder of BuildWithin. “SCT is making that knowledge visible, measurable and certified, so the people who earn it get credit and a clear career pathway. The Gluer Registered Apprenticeship reflects SCT’s lasting investment in its people, and BuildWithin is proud to support SCT as it heads into its next century.”
For SCT, headquartered in Chattanooga and part of the community for nearly a century, these partnerships reflect a shared commitment to developing people, strengthening local businesses, and building a more skilled manufacturing workforce for the future.
PREPARING PEOPLE FOR WHAT’S NEXT
As manufacturing continues to evolve, SCT continues to invest in new technology, equipment, and capabilities. But those investments are only as powerful as the people behind them.
The Registered Gluer Apprenticeship Program represents an investment in both, creating opportunities for team members to advance their careers while preserving valuable expertise and preparing the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.
Because when we invest in people, we aren’t only preparing SCT for what’s next.
We’re creating opportunities for our people and our community to grow alongside us.
