While the College of DuPage (COD) is a Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor and Intermediary, the institution partners with area employers with their own Registered Apprentice Programs (RAP). These companies who manage their own RAP can enhance their programs by partnering with the College of DuPage and the Project Hire-Ed team.

Project Hire-Ed serves as a conduit between education and employers by providing access and tools to employers and work-based learning experiences to students. Companies seeking to upskill their workforce will find support and guidance from the Project Hire-Ed team on course selection, registration, billing paperwork, and case-managed wrap-around services for their apprentice during the program.

One partner who has experienced the benefits of working with the College of DuPage for Related Technical Instruction for their company, RAP, is Nestlé.

In the dynamic manufacturing landscape, where technology continually advances and consumer demands evolve, Nestlé recognizes the imperative of cultivating highly skilled talent. Their commitment extends beyond operational excellence to positively impacting every market we serve. Through their apprenticeship program, they offer valuable career pathways to individuals who might otherwise lack such opportunities. This initiative empowers their workforce with cutting-edge skills and enhances productivity across their facilities, ensuring that Nestlé remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.

Nestlé has been partnering with Project Hire-Ed for over a year, sending their first apprentices in the fall semester of 2023. The company sent an additional apprentice the following semester and just started a fourth apprentice for the fall semester of 2024. These four apprentices are taking Related Technical Instruction courses at the College of DuPage, working toward certificates in Electronics Technology, Advanced Mechatronics, and Stationary Operator. The Project Hire-Ed staff worked closely with college faculty and Nestlé to help the company review course offerings and develop customer curriculum that best meets their training needs. According to Fulgencio Rico, a Training Supervisor at Nestlé, “One of the factors contributing to the success of our program is our collaboration with the Project Hire-Ed/the College of DuPage team. Their exceptional customer service during the school enrollment process and ongoing support for our apprentices is invaluable.”

When asked why employers with their RAP should consider College of DuPage for their Related Technical Instruction provider, Fulgencio said, “I believe that the wide range of programs and flexible learning options, including both online and classroom courses, provided by Project Hire-Ed / College of DuPage contribute to achieving a work-life balance for our apprentices. The expertise of the instructors and the comprehensive curriculum they offer have played a crucial role in the success of our apprentices.”

From a comprehensive program standpoint, Nestlé has observed significantly higher retention rates among apprentices than non-apprentices. Additionally, they have established a robust pipeline to address the gaps created by their eventual retirees.

Nestlé’s apprenticeship program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a wage. Apprentices receive practical training, mentorship from highly skilled employees, and a direct path to career advancement with the world’s largest food and beverage company. By developing in-demand skills, these apprenticeships make individuals highly employable and set for long-term success with Nestlé.

In Spring 2024, two cohorts of apprentices from Rivian Automotive graduated with Associate of Applied Science degrees and job-specific certifications from Heartland Community College. Graduates included Jacob Banks, Bryce Backlund, Alex Becker, Ashton Joshlin, Kyle Kamp, Tyler Parrish, and Jessica Wernsman.

Industrial maintenance apprentices earned certifications or micro-certificates in high-voltage battery technology, robotics operation, electronics skills, automation technology, and industrial technology as part of their degree pathway. Tool and die apprentices completed work for certifications in manual machining, CNC machining, machine tool technology, design and fabrication skills, and industrial technology as part of their degree pathway.

Veronica Inselmann, Associate Director of Apprenticeships at Heartland, explains that an apprenticeship program aims to equip workers with advanced skills tailored to the specific needs of employers. The partnership between Heartland and Rivian proves this goal is achievable. The Rivian graduates secured a degree while also meeting the complex needs of their employer, which is a huge success for the graduates and Rivian.

With a new cohort of apprentices beginning in Fall 2024, Heartland and Rivian continue their partnership and commitment to equipping apprentices with advanced, job-specific skills.

Amanda Spicer is a Medical Assistant Apprentice at Shawnee Medical Clinic in Carbondale, IL.

• How did you hear about Man-Tra-Con’s Registered Apprenticeship Program through Shawnee Health?
  • I first heard about this program through a peer I worked with in a local hospital, and I decided to reach out to a friend I knew who did it. She highly suggested that I apply for it.
• Why did you choose to become a Medical Assistant?
  • At the time, I was working at a local hospital in our Labor and Delivery unit. Watching my nurse friends work with such passion sparked an interest that I knew right then and there: I wanted to be on the floor working hands-on with patients instead of being stuck at a desk.
• Did you have any background in this industry before the apprenticeship?
  • For most of my career, I was in the accounting industry; I also worked as an insurance agent for 10+ years. I took a risk and am so happy with my career change.
• What does a typical day in your apprenticeship look like?
  • I currently work in a family practice office, where I see various cases daily. Every day is different, from making sure our pediatric patients receive the care they need with vaccinations and making “boo-boos” feel better to helping a peer fight drug addiction, making sure the community of patients is aware of ways they can prevent certain illnesses and maintain their health and well-being, and everything in between. There is no getting bored of day-to-day work in this profession.
• How has the apprenticeship been beneficial?
  • We have four children, and the thought of returning to school, let alone paying for it, sounded terrifying. This apprenticeship program took a lot of that fear away because I could complete my homework and study throughout the day or even in the middle of the night if that’s what my schedule needed. I was able to go through schooling and work at the same time, all while having my education paid for. This program has benefited my family so much financially since graduating. Not to mention, I’ve earned such a rewarding career. Since getting my feet wet in the field and gaining confidence in going back to school, I have now decided to even further my career in nursing. I am now returning to school, which will benefit my family and me even more! I have this program to thank for mentally giving me the strength and confidence to keep going!
• What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
  • Do it. If you’re willing to put in the work, it’s completely worth it in the end! This career has been so rewarding for me, as I get to help the community better their health and even be a listening ear for them sometimes.

Local unions have seen an increase in applications from individuals interested in careers in the building and construction trades, and a partnership between Vermilion County Works (VCW) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is helping keep that trend alive and well. With assistance from the Apprenticeship Illinois grant program, the local union has been more successful in recruiting and retaining apprentices during its five-year apprenticeship program. This past July, the union announced the enrollment of its largest apprenticeship class since its partnership with VCW began in 2017.

Union officials report that the demand for apprentices is exceptionally high, and with experienced journeymen retiring, the need to fill those positions will continue for the foreseeable future. Programs such as these have made it easier for apprentices to stay in training through assistance with tools, equipment, and learning materials that tackle some of the barriers that young apprentices face, particularly early on in the program. As apprentices progress through the program, wage increases through completing benchmarks lead to well-paying jobs that average over $40 per hour at the journeyman level.