Samuel Watson – Training for Technology



Creation Date: 05/04/2022


Name: Samuel Watson
Career Pathway: Manufacturing
Location of Service: 61834-9373
Program: Apprenticeship Illinois
Organization: Danville Area Community College
Credentials Earned: DOL Registered Apprenticeship - Mechatronics
Program Details: Training
Impacted Geographical Area: LWIA


Danville Area Community College’s (DACC) first apprenticeship was developed in Mechatronics with thyssenkrupp Presta (now ThyssenKrupp Dynamic Components) in 2015.  Samuel came to DACC and Vermilion County Works (VCW), the WIOA Title I provider, in July of 2019 as a new employee for ThyssenKrupp. The company had recently started a Registered Apprenticeship program and had approached VCW for assistance with getting the program off the ground. Samuel started classes at DACC toward his Mechatronics certificate while working at TK at the same time to acquire hands-on skills. VCW was able to provide assistance in paying for his tuition, fees and books for his classroom portion of training. Additionally, VCW provided Samuel with a complete set of mechanics’ tools for worksite training. Samuel successfully completed his Mechatronics certificate in July of 2020, and was able to complete his required work hours in December of 2021 to earn his Journeyman certificate of completion. Samuel continues working as a technician for TK, and his training journey is a testament to the value of registered apprenticeships in workforce training.