Safford Launches Apprentice Program

Safford recently introduced its first in-house apprenticeship program that not only brings greater flexibility and tailored instruction but also empowers employees to grow their skills right where they work, fostering a deeper connection to the mine’s operations and its future.

The program’s first cohort of 18 trainees recently kicked off the program at the company’s Thatcher Training Center with a two-day event that included instructor introductions and classroom orientations, followed by tours of the Safford site. 

“This is an exciting time for Safford, because it’s our first in-house apprentice program,” said Kody Bartlett, Superintendent Technical Training-Thatcher Training Center. “Before we got our own program set up here, we commonly sent (Safford’s) apprentices through Morenci’s program in Clifton.”

When asked if they had been through an apprenticeship before, none of the participants raised their hands. They were not alone.

“I have 26 years in the industry, and I wish I’d had a program like this,” said Jerry Quirke, Senior Supervisor Technical Training-Thatcher Training Center.

Safford’s new program currently offers three training paths — heavy equipment maintenance, fixed plant maintenance and electrical maintenance. Each path is competency-based, so once an apprentice completes all required classes, they will be eligible to graduate.

The planning for the program started in July 2023, with an outline built from various sites. The first instructors were hired in February.

“People who have been in apprentice programs and know them helped build this one based on their own experience,” Bartlett said. “We invested almost $1 million into new equipment and tools, and there will be more invested over the next few years, so we are grateful for the funding.”

Safford’s growth has meant significantly more infrastructure, plants and mobile equipment, with more still to come in the coming years. The new apprenticeship program will help ensure personnel are trained consistently and skilled in maintaining it all.

“Hosting apprentices in house is a huge milestone for Safford and beneficial for its future growth,” Bartlett said.