Project Hire-Ed, the office which facilitates apprenticeships at the College of DuPage, is working to build a bridge between hiring and education. We help employers find the right talent for their organization and teach our students the skills employers are looking for. College of DuPage is working with community organizations and business leaders to develop strategies to close the gap and ensure our local workforce is prepared to perform.

The partnerships that Project Hire-Ed and College of DuPage created positively impact the community and profoundly impact our apprentices' lives.

One particular apprentice, who has felt the impact of Project Hire-Ed, is Robert Volpe. Before becoming an apprentice, Robert thought he had little to no prospect of career advancement. He went to school to be a graphic designer and was employed in the industry but found that the job was not what he had expected; his position provided no benefits, no vacation, no sick days, and any day he missed was reflected in his paycheck.

After deciding to make a change, Robert found that the job hunt yielded no results - while he had work experience, he felt he had little to show for his years in the industry. “In simple terms, I was then stuck for two years…sending out hundreds of applications only to yield maybe ten interviews and zero callbacks.”

Robert learned about apprenticeship opportunities through Project Hire-Ed at the College of DuPage and completed the steps to enter the program. He was matched with OSG USA, Inc., and started his Machine Operator (CNC) apprenticeship. “One thing I’ve liked about being an apprentice is that all the little details are handled for you, and all I have to do is show up and do my work. I didn't have to worry about job placement or what classes I needed to take. It's all laid out for me by HR and the administration.”

In the past nine months, Robert developed his skills on-the-job and in the classroom and has already been promoted. He credits this success to his hard work and his company's effort to help employees grow and develop. “OSG told me I would be evaluated for a potential promotion after six months. So, I knew from the start where the goalposts were for advancement.” As a company, OSG USA, Inc. is dedicated to training, and employees are rewarded for their growth. “They start teaching the next level within your current level, which can make you more effective and demonstrate your capabilities to advance to them. Currently, I'm a Machine Operator (CNC)...Already they are having me learn new things [for the next three levels in my role]…So within the next two years, I aim to advance.”

If you are stuck in your career or job search and are looking for other options, consider looking into apprenticeship opportunities as Robert did. While he admits that balancing school and work is not easy, he found the experience to be positive. “Having all the little details handled is a blessing. My job is to attend class, get good grades, show up to work, and do my job. That is much easier than handling the plethora of job hunting and self-taught advancement.” Robert also feels the structure of an apprenticeship program helped with personal and professional goals. “For me, it's better to do something that keeps your future secure and allows you to pursue your passions in your free time.”