Divonte Grant's apprenticeship journey started in June 2024, when he registered for Elgin Community College's (ECC) Pre-Apprenticeship in manufacturing. A first-generation student, Divonte was eager to get a head start in his manufacturing education and was excited about the opportunities an apprenticeship would afford him. After completing the week-long pre-apprenticeship and earning his Forklift Driver certificate and OSHA-10 card, Divonte attended Interview Day, impressing employers with his preparation and professionalism. He ultimately accepted an Industrial Maintenance apprenticeship with Voestalpine High-Performance Metals.

During his enrollment, the apprenticeship team learned that Divonte would need to take some college preparatory courses before taking additional classes. Rather than let that derail his apprenticeship, staff met with Voestalpine about his course options. Through grant funds from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the company did not have to pay for his college prep classes. The company allowed him to start his on-the-job training during the fall semester, providing him with a steady income and career experience. During this time, the apprenticeship team could also use DCEO funds to purchase steel-toed boots for him.

During his mid-term check-in, the apprenticeship team asked how he was doing and if there were any concerns about his progress. His professor replied, "Concerns? No. Divonte is 100% my favorite person. He came into the semester tentatively, sure that he did not belong in college and would not do well. He has discovered quite the opposite, that he is an excellent student who can grow and learn, and dare I say that he likes school. In short, he is a model student, and I see no reason to think he will not exceed all expectations."

Thanks to the support of faculty and the apprenticeship team, Divonte passed his DevEd courses, is now enrolled in his technical classes, and is well on his way toward earning an Associate Degree and continuing his employment with Voestalpine.