Manufacturers across Florida continue to face workforce shortages, retention challenges, and increasing operational pressures. For many, the challenge is not only finding talent, but developing and retaining a workforce that can support long-term growth.
For Bausch + Lomb, investing in structured workforce development has been a key part of the solution. Through the FloridaMakes Registered Apprenticeship Program, the company has implemented a model that allows employees to build critical skills while continuing to support daily operations.
Before participating in the program, Bausch + Lomb was looking for a training approach that would not disrupt production schedules and would provide meaningful, manufacturing-specific development. The need was clear: a program that could deliver well-rounded technical training across maintenance and production disciplines while remaining flexible enough for working employees.
“We were looking for a development opportunity that full-time employees could pursue on their own time without disrupting production schedules,” said Ken Patten, Manufacturing Director at Bausch + Lomb. “We also needed a program specifically designed for manufacturing that would provide well-rounded training across key maintenance and production disciplines.”
The apprenticeship program addressed that need by creating a structured yet flexible pathway for employees to develop skills directly tied to their roles. Training in areas such as electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems has allowed employees to expand their capabilities while maintaining productivity on the floor.
“The program has strengthened our ability to develop talent internally,” Patten said. “We can now offer employees a flexible pathway to upskill in areas directly tied to manufacturing and maintenance, with time commitments that fit their schedules.”
The impact has been both operational and cultural. Bausch + Lomb has reported increased productivity, reduced downtime, and improvements in product quality and workflow. At the same time, the program has contributed to higher employee engagement and a stronger sense of ownership across the workforce.
“One of the most noticeable impacts has been a sense of workplace pride,” Patten said. “Apprentices regularly share their experiences with colleagues, creating enthusiasm and growing interest across the workforce.”
That engagement is translating into growth within the organization. Employees are gaining skills that support advancement, and the company is building a stronger internal pipeline of talent prepared to take on new roles and responsibilities.
The program has also helped bring greater consistency to workforce development efforts. Training is now more structured across departments, and several recent graduates have already moved into new positions or cross-functional opportunities, strengthening the organization’s overall capability.
“Several recent graduates have become eligible for promotions and cross-department opportunities, strengthening our internal talent pipeline,” Patten said.
For manufacturers evaluating workforce strategies, the value of this approach is clear. Apprenticeships provide a practical way to build talent from within while improving performance and reducing reliance on external resources.
Bausch + Lomb sees this as a long-term investment in both its people and its operations.
“Engaging with the FloridaMakes apprenticeship program is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my 30 years with Bausch + Lomb,” Patten said. “It provides a practical, structured way to invest in our people while strengthening the long-term capabilities of our workforce.”
As manufacturers across Florida continue to navigate workforce challenges, programs like this demonstrate what is possible when training is aligned with real operational needs. By combining flexibility, structure, and industry relevance, the FloridaMakes Registered Apprenticeship Program is helping companies build stronger teams and more resilient operations.
Learn more about FloridaMakes Workforce Development programs:
https://www.floridamakes.com/service-offerings/workforce-development-mfg/apprenticeships
Explore Bausch + Lomb:
https://www.bausch.com/