Xcel Manufacturing, Inc., a machining, fabrication, and rebar fabrication manufacturer in Rock Island, Illinois, had achieved remarkable success during its first 2-3 years in business. Backed by a highly experienced staff with more than 50 years of combined industry expertise, the company quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-quality projects, exceptional customer service, and on-time delivery.

Despite the company's early success, President Tim Miner Sr. recognized a long-term workforce challenge. Having spent nearly his entire working career in manufacturing—from apprentice tool & die maker to journeyman — Tim understands that the retirement of highly skilled employees can have a significant adverse impact on production, customer satisfaction, and future growth. Rather than waiting for those challenges to arise, Tim chose to invest in a proactive workforce solution.
Tim wanted to establish a sustainable talent pipeline to ensure Xcel Manufacturing, Inc. always had qualified CNC Programmers ready to fill critical positions as people leave and/or retire. Drawing on his own experience, he recognized the lasting value of work-based learning and the critical role that U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) can play in developing skilled employees while supporting long-term business success.

In December 2025, Scott Terry, Business Services Manager and Apprenticeship Specialist at the American Job Center-Rock Island, contacted Tim after their previous successful collaboration on a work-based learning project. During their initial meeting, Scott introduced the full range of workforce development and work-based learning funding opportunities available through the American Job Center, including assistance with developing and registering a DOL-RAP for businesses. Tim had not realized those services were offered and available through his local workforce development agency. After learning more about the process and its long-term benefits, he immediately recognized that apprenticeship formation for his CNC Programming team aligned with the company's workforce strategy. Over the following several months, Tim and Scott worked together to develop Xcel Manufacturing Inc.'s CNC Programmer DOL-RAP. Through regular collaboration and ongoing communication, they successfully navigated the DOL registration process. On July 20, 2026, Xcel Manufacturing officially registered its first DOL-RAP in RAPIDS.

Reflecting on the experience, Tim praised both the process and partnerships that were cultivated during the planning phase:
"The process was very, very smooth. Scott did a great job and really helped us through the entire process. He kept us informed every step of the way. It was actually very easy. I recommend creating a DOL-RAP and working with the American Job Center to connect with other companies. I've been telling other manufacturers about the benefits of apprenticeships and encouraging them to connect with the American Job Center for assistance."
With Xcel Manufacturing, Inc.'s CNC Programmer DOL-registered apprenticeship program fully registered with the DOL, Xcel Manufacturing is preparing to enroll its first apprentice, a recently hired employee, in just a few weeks, by the end of August 2026, to align with Eastern Iowa Community College's Fall 2026 semester start, which is the training provider for the RTI portion of the RAP. To support the apprentice's classroom instruction, Xcel Manufacturing, Inc. has partnered with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), which has agreed to provide the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) component of the apprenticeship program. Tim described EICC as an outstanding partner, noting the college's flexibility in coordinating coursework and labs around the apprentice's work schedule and on-the-job training.

Additionally, through EICC's two-year CNC Programmer-related training instruction program, Xcel Manufacturing Inc.'s apprentices will have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree while developing the technical skills required for long-term success in the manufacturing industry. They will have also earned a transferable, nationally recognized credential. Today, Xcel Manufacturing Inc. views its RAP as a strategic investment in the business's continued sustainability and growth. By developing skilled employees from within, the company believes it will strengthen its workforce talent pipeline, reduce the risk associated with employee retirements, and reinforce its commitment to delivering the exceptional quality, service, and reliability its customers have come to expect.