Back in the ‘60’s when I was still in aerospace, Bendix Corp. started an apprenticeship program for tool and die makers, the cream of the machinist clan. It was a four year program, two nights after work and alternate weekends, free to any of the young men who worked at the main plant.
One guy finished the program before it was shut down.
He moved to LA, went job shopping, and made over $100,000 his first year. He was in such demand that the big boys had bidding wars over his time.
Another story from Bendix: The built a facility for retired machinists; shuffleboard, pool tables, you name it, plus a complete machine shop. Young engineers would come in to get advice and help with advanced projects, and the retired machinists would make a few bucks. Everyone was happy, old timers passing on priceless experience to young engineers and budding machinists. Union said NO! It closed.