Blinco Glass says apprenticeship revived its workforce and created new career pathways

David Wirtz, vice president of manufacturing at Blinco Glass, described the company—s long history, cyclical challenges and how a formal apprenticeship program became a vehicle to rebuild capacity and preserve craft skills.

Wirtz recounted that the company had to change long-standing informal practices, invest in worker benefits and modernize facilities to make apprenticeship work in a high-production glass plant. "The apprenticeship is the thing that allowed us to shake loose some of the rust," he said, describing new concrete floors, restrooms and benefits like health insurance and company retirement matching as part of a broader effort to recruit and retain workers.

Apprentice Jim Adkins said the program changed his life after a career in restaurants, giving him higher pay, tools and training support (he cited a $2,000 tool reimbursement from Workforce West Virginia) and pride in working with veteran glassmakers. "It's been life changing for me, honestly," Adkins said.

Wirtz and Adkins both emphasized that the craft requires long practice and close mentorship: Wirtz referenced a decades-long journey to mastery and a skills-lattice approach that rewards longevity and competency. The panel also noted state partnerships (SNAP E&T referrals and Workforce West Virginia supports) that help offset costs and broaden candidate pipelines.

Why it matters: Blinco—s example illustrates how small manufacturing firms can use apprenticeship structures plus state and federal supports to replace aging talent, upgrade facilities and create stable career ladders in niche crafts.