Parkland College is strengthening its long-standing automotive training partnerships through a new apprenticeship collaboration with Sam Leman Automotive Group, supporting workforce development efforts in the Champaign region.

Beginning in Bloomington-Normal and Peoria, the Sam Leman Automotive Group has since expanded into the Champaign area in recent years through the acquisition of two existing dealerships. Building on a decades-long relationship supporting Sam Leman Ford in Bloomington, the company has partnered with Parkland College to develop talent pipelines for its newest locations.

"This partnership highlights how employers and educators can work together to solve workforce challenges," Parkland Director of Apprenticeships Aimee Densmore said. "Sam Leman Automotive Group is making a strategic investment in developing its future technicians, and Parkland is proud to support that effort through high-quality training and real-world experience."

Through Parkland’s comprehensive automotive program and the Ford ASSET program (ASSET), the three-year registered apprenticeship provides students with a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. During the first two years, students attend Parkland full time while alternating between classroom learning and cooperative work experience in eight-week rotations. By graduation, participants complete nearly a full year of on-the-job experience.
 
In the third and fourth years, apprentices transition to full-time employment at a Sam Leman dealership, continuing to build technical skills while earning wages.
 
Students enrolled in the ASSET program gain access to specialized training aligned with Ford Motor Company standards, earning Ford technician credentials. Those in Parkland’s comprehensive automotive program also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
 
Participants in both pathways can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree, along with a nationally recognized completion certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program.

"At Sam Leman Automotive Group, we’re committed to developing the next generation of skilled technicians," Director of Fixed Operations Brian Langley said. "Partnering with Parkland College allows us to invest in students early, provide real-world experience, and build a reliable pipeline of talent for our growing operations in the Champaign region."
  
Currently, three apprentices from Sam Leman dealerships are enrolled in the program, with an additional four expected to begin in fall 2026.

Parkland College looks forward to expanding its apprenticeship programs and continuing to collaborate with industry leaders to create meaningful career pathways for students. Businesses in District 505 that wish to explore opportunities available within an apprenticeship program partnership may contact Densmore at adensmore@parkland.edu.

Individuals interested in applying for apprenticeship programs can learn more at parkland.edu/apprenticeship.

Read Parkland College Press Release.

While enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Illinois Central College, I committed to changing my future and continuing my growth in healthcare. Through the apprenticeship program with Carle Hospital, I earned the opportunity to work as an LPN apprentice, gain hands-on experience, build skills in a real clinical setting, and learn what it truly means to care for patients.

During this journey, life tested me in ways I never expected. I faced deeply personal challenges and difficult circumstances that made it hard to stay focused and keep going. Some days, I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of how I would make it through. At one point, I questioned whether this path was meant for me and seriously considered walking away. But I chose to stay. I kept showing up. I showed up to class. I showed up to clinical. I showed up to my apprenticeship, even when it felt heavy. I made a conscious decision to maintain a positive attitude and not let my circumstances define my outcome.

Through my apprenticeship at Carle, I continued to grow, learn, and push myself in real patient care environments. This experience gives me confidence, strengthens my clinical skills, and reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. With the support of my apprenticeship coordinator, Amanda, my professors, and my family, I stayed focused and continued moving forward. Their belief in me, combined with my own determination, helped me maintain my grades and keep going during moments that could have easily stopped me.

Through my work in behavioral health, I support patients during moments of emotional distress and crisis. I stay calm, offer reassurance, and provide a steady presence when they need it most. Those experiences, along with my apprenticeship, have strengthened my compassion and confirmed my purpose in nursing.

Today, I am still standing. I am still pushing forward. And I am stronger than I ever thought I could be.

My goal is to continue advancing in healthcare, with plans to become a nurse practitioner or even a physician. I want my journey to mean something, not just for me, but for anyone who feels like giving up. Because sometimes strength doesn’t look like having it all together. Sometimes it looks like showing up anyway. And if I can do that, so can you. :)

To address persistent workforce shortages in Illinois’ food and beverage manufacturing sector, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) hosted in-person “BUILD. TRAIN. RETAIN.” apprenticeship workshops. The first two sessions in Lisle and Belvidere, IL, brought together regional manufacturers to explore practical workforce solutions. 
The interactive workshops provided employers with a step-by-step roadmap for launching Registered Apprenticeship Programs, including how to define competencies, align with U.S. Department of Labor standards, and access available grant funding and incentives. Participants did not just learn concepts—they left with clear action plans and the ability to begin the apprenticeship registration process immediately. 
Participating companies included: 

• Aurora Packing Company, Inc. 
• Home Run Inn Pizza 
• Jel Sert Company 
• MSI Express 
• NakiNoku 
• Eickman Processing Co. 
• Global Foods International 
• Newly Weds Foods 

By design, these sessions were intentionally small, regional gatherings that allowed for deeper discussion, peer learning, and individualized support. As a direct result of these events, several participating manufacturers engaged in follow-up one-on-one consultations with IMEC. At the time of submitting this success story, one company formally committed to partnering with IMEC to design, implement, and manage an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Registered Apprenticeship Program. An additional company advanced to the proposal stage. 
This localized, hands-on approach strengthened engagement and helped move companies beyond awareness into meaningful exploration of apprenticeship as a workforce solution. The pilot workshops demonstrated how targeted, community-based events can drive real progress for Illinois businesses and their workforce needs. 

In the fall, ManTraCon hosted the first Apprenticeship Roundtable. After this event sparked interest, we decided to host it quarterly, with the second event held in March. Aisin, Intertape Polymer Group (IPG), Penn Aluminum, PMR Automotive, Prysmian, and Southern Illinois Hospital (SIH) all attended these events and have continued meetings with ManTraCon to establish Apprenticeships. Aisin established Apprenticeship programs for Production and Quality Engineers, and 6 Apprentices have been registered and are currently on track. IPG has registered a program for Industrial Maintenance Technicians and will begin registering Apprentices now. Conversations are continuing with PMR Automotive, Prysmian, and SIH to register programs by the fall. All Apprenticeships are employer-led and established to help fill a need when companies notice a talent gap between current employees and what the industry requires. ManTraCon will continue advocating for Apprenticeships by participating in National Apprenticeship Week and hosting events to spread awareness.

Apprenticeship Program for Employers | Man-Tra-Con Corporation