YKK AP America launched a formal career development program for its existing and future engineering employees. The program provides a means by which engineers can foster personal and professional development as well as grow within the company and the fenestration industry, according to the company.

The engineering program sets clearly defined requirements for employees to grow within their current role by demonstrating success, mastering a specific skillset, personal experience, exposure, and through independent learning and certification.

“Every engineer at YKK AP understands their current competencies and proficiencies and now has a clear vision and path to foster continual learning and personal development over a lifetime career with YKK AP,” says Oliver Stepe, senior vice president. “It is our goal to recruit and retain the best engineers in the construction industry and the engineering career development program is a solid step in that direction.”

All engineers will need to become a FenestrationAssociate™ under the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) FenestrationMasters™ program as a minimum requirement for certification. Engineers can stop at the FenestrationAssociate level certification or continue to certify as a more advanced level FenestrationMaster™. Additional career path certification options for advancement include credentials from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Construction Specifications Institute as well as Engineer in Training and Professional Engineer credentials.