"THANK YOU" to the OAI team for supporting me through the 17-week Apprenticeship Training Program!  Each of the courses within the program has helped me build (and enhance) office skills that I can directly apply to my everyday work life. The program also focused on important interpersonal skills like integrity, morals, leadership, and values... Skills that are much needed in today’s society in order to succeed.  Because of the program, I feel more confident tackling everyday challenges and interacting with C-level executives, which has definitely enhanced my performance in my work.

Beyond the technical skills, this program has instilled a more positive mindset within me.  My Instructor (Erin Taylor) and the supportive environment of the entire OAI staff made learning enjoyable and inspiring.  That positivity has spilled over into both my professional and personal lives.  Because of the program, I now feel part of a network of continuous learning and growth, something that is invaluable to my career.

Thank you once again for this transformative experience. I’m excited to utilize the skills I've gained and thrilled to learn how they will shape my future and contribute to my career. I look forward to staying in touch and keeping you updated on my progress!

 

Sincerely,

Rene Velazquez, Membership Coordinator

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce

Divonte Grant's apprenticeship journey started in June 2024, when he registered for Elgin Community College's (ECC) Pre-Apprenticeship in manufacturing. A first-generation student, Divonte was eager to get a head start in his manufacturing education and was excited about the opportunities an apprenticeship would afford him. After completing the week-long pre-apprenticeship and earning his Forklift Driver certificate and OSHA-10 card, Divonte attended Interview Day, impressing employers with his preparation and professionalism. He ultimately accepted an Industrial Maintenance apprenticeship with Voestalpine High-Performance Metals.

During his enrollment, the apprenticeship team learned that Divonte would need to take some college preparatory courses before taking additional classes. Rather than let that derail his apprenticeship, staff met with Voestalpine about his course options. Through grant funds from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the company did not have to pay for his college prep classes. The company allowed him to start his on-the-job training during the fall semester, providing him with a steady income and career experience. During this time, the apprenticeship team could also use DCEO funds to purchase steel-toed boots for him.

During his mid-term check-in, the apprenticeship team asked how he was doing and if there were any concerns about his progress. His professor replied, "Concerns? No. Divonte is 100% my favorite person. He came into the semester tentatively, sure that he did not belong in college and would not do well. He has discovered quite the opposite, that he is an excellent student who can grow and learn, and dare I say that he likes school. In short, he is a model student, and I see no reason to think he will not exceed all expectations."

Thanks to the support of faculty and the apprenticeship team, Divonte passed his DevEd courses, is now enrolled in his technical classes, and is well on his way toward earning an Associate Degree and continuing his employment with Voestalpine.

Cade Steichen graduated as Valedictorian of the Elgin Community College (ECC) Fire Academy Class of 2024. He is completing the on-the-job training portion of his Apprenticeship with the East Dundee Fire Protection District.

During his speech at graduation, given while proudly wearing his green Apprenticeship stole, Cade noted, "I believe in this unique career, each one of us will have a moment or a few moments such as this, and it is up to us to place ourselves in a position to be as prepared as possible and to have a relentless approach to never stop learning, training and pushing yourself to be better so when the time comes to use what you have learned, you do not fall short." He also participated in a video series highlighting apprenticeships through ECC. He noted how having his department's support and ECC's Apprenticeship Program helped him focus on his academics and training with a clear goal.

ECC's fire fighting apprenticeship is front-loaded, and Cade looks forward to training at the firehouse with his mentor and learning alongside fellow firefighters as he completes his competencies.

On November 20, 2024, during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), Heartland Community College hosted a memorable apprenticeship signing event in the Community Commons Building. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for 26 new apprentices and six employer partners in the Manufacturing, Healthcare, and IT industries.

The event opened with a powerful speech from Heartland Community College's President Keith Cornille, who highlighted the transformative role of apprenticeships in workforce development and community growth:

"Apprenticeships offer a direct pipeline for employers to strengthen their workforce with tailored, high-quality talent. Community colleges such as Heartland are uniquely suited to feed this pipeline. Since 2019, Heartland has added over 40 certificates or degrees focused on filling the needs of a growing industry, the expanding healthcare workforce, and the gaps that retiring trade specialists are creating. Our industry partners support their employees in apprenticeship programs because they know it is a sound investment in the most valuable asset: quality employees. We are fortunate to have several great employers who understand that value. Our student apprentices have been impressive and should be commended for their hard work on this educational journey. Their efforts to seize this opportunity, to develop new training and skills, and their commitment to professional development are the characteristics that employers are always seeking.”

Jake Banks, a proud graduate of Heartland’s Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship program shared his journey and the importance of perseverance in the trades:

“It’s hot. It’s dirty. You’re working. You’re sweating. It sucks. Not ‘gonna lie to you. But the rewards are endless through perseverance, determination, and dedication to the craft.”

Chris Hardy, Maintenance Manager at Bridgestone, one of Heartland’s employer partners, highlighted the success of their apprenticeship program, which has evolved from a six-year model to an efficient three-year program. Hardy credited the partnership with Heartland for this streamlined, impactful approach.

The event also symbolized a new chapter for the 26 apprentices who will continue to “earn while they learn,” gaining hands-on experience in their respective industries while progressing toward graduation in the coming years. Community interest in the event was strong, with WGLT, a local radio station, attending to spotlight the apprentices and their employer partners. Heartland Community College’s apprenticeship program exemplifies the power of collaboration in workforce development. By offering tailored education and fostering partnerships with local employers, the program is building a skilled and prepared workforce to meet the challenges of today’s industries.