Steel Warehouse Apprenticeship Program Sees Record Enrollment, Plans Expansion to New Regions

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Steel Warehouse, a leading steel processor and service center, today announced record enrollment in its registered apprenticeship program. Nineteen employees are currently enrolled across three locations in Indiana and Ohio, the highest in the program's history. The company is also exploring program expansion in its southern region, including Chattanooga, Tennessee and its new facility in Hickory, North Carolina. The effort reflects Steel Warehouse's commitment to building careers from within and meeting the manufacturing industry's growing demand for skilled workers.

The Steel Warehouse apprenticeship program, which produced its first graduate in 2010, has now seen more than 20 individuals complete the three- to four-year program and earn a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion as a millwright or laser technician.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 93 percent of apprentices retain employment after completing their program, a result Steel Warehouse has seen firsthand over more than 15 years of growing the program.

"For Steel Warehouse, apprenticeships mean something more," said Ted Lerman, Steel Warehouse CEO. "They're a commitment to our employees' futures, a pipeline for skilled professionals and a foundation for growth, for both the individual and for our organization."

For participants, the program offers a clear path into a skilled trade career without requiring prior experience or tuition costs. Apprentices are paired one-on-one with an experienced Steel Warehouse mentor and, after a probationary period, receive full pay and benefits as permanent employees, with opportunities to advance into higher-skill roles. Steel Warehouse apprentices complete technical education in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College or Tooling U-SME.

"The program has taught me that with a little bit of hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything," said Gregory Watts, Steel Warehouse apprentice. "When I'm done, I'll have a good career and room to keep growing."

Steel Warehouse encourages interested employees and job seekers to learn more about the apprenticeship program by visiting: www.steelwarehouse.com/about/apprenticeship-program.

About Steel Warehouse
Steel Warehouse is a family-owned, premier steel processor and service center headquartered in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1947, the company serves OEMs, fabricators, and manufacturers across demanding industries with one of the broadest steel inventories from its 18 locations in North America and Brazil. Steel Warehouse offers comprehensive distribution, shipping, and processing capabilities and provides slit coil, sheet, plate, and cold-rolled steel, specializing in surface quality, dimensional accuracy, grade consistency, and flatness. The company has built a strong reputation for integrity and customer service for more than 75 years.

For more information, visit: www.steelwarehouse.com 

Dawn Frasa at Industry Scope: [email protected] 

SOURCE Steel Warehouse