NAW Signing Ceremony Adds 26 New Apprentices
Creation Date: 12/10/2024
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.