FREEPORT — Oberg Industries, a manufacturer of precision metal components, is embarking on a new partnership to connect high school students to industry training that mirrors the apprenticeship experience.

Due to the growing shortage of qualified candidates for precision manufacturing openings, Oberg has partnered with Highlands High School in Natrona Heights to bridge this gap, according to a company news release.

Oberg and Highlands have created the Junior Apprentice Advantage, the JAA program, to help students develop industry-specific technological skills and understand industry culture and values.

“Oberg and Highlands believe that this program will provide each student with a head start toward a rewarding career in manufacturing,” said David Bonvenuto, president/CEO of Oberg, in the release.

This is offered free to Highlands seniors.

The courses are taught by Highlands’ faculty at the school. Courses include specialized 3-D computer-aided design coupled with industry-specific geometric dimensioning and tolerance, advanced geometry and trigonometry, and natural resources and production technology.

Throughout this school year, JAA students will get access to Oberg’s manufacturing operations and employee expertise to help build upon lessons learned in the classroom.

Students who complete the program and pass the Oberg apprenticeship entrance requirements will be pre-qualified to be hired as full-time apprentices at Oberg upon graduation in 2015.

Six seniors are participating in this inaugural year.

Oberg has more than 800 employees worldwide.