Chamber celebrates new apprencticeships

The Quad Cities Chamber is celebrating three new apprenticeships scheduled to begin this summer. These apprenticeship programs align with the Chamber’s strategic vision to address the immediate and future workforce needs of regional employers by leveraging educational assets to address talent pipeline challenges.

Geneseo, Rock Island and Sherrard high schools are partnering with local businesses for apprenticeships in CNC/residential carpentry, accounting and welding. Participating students will graduate with a high school diploma, college credits and national industry credentials.

Typically, students begin their on-the-job learning the summer between their junior and senior years of high school by working full-time, on-site at a company. During their senior year, they’ll work part-time, and attend school part-time until requirements are met.

Kathy Ruggeberg, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent, Teaching & Learning at Rock Island High School said the high school began a partnership with John Deere several years ago when Deere approached them about a workforce need in welding. "We have been working with John Deere on other apprenticeship possibilities as well. These include technology and accounting. The accounting apprenticeship was the next to fall into place in our district. We are currently working with John Deere and the Rock Island High School CTE (Career and Technical Education) Department to begin informing students about this new accounting apprenticeship. As students who qualify are identified, they would begin as soon as this June."

James Porter, Vice President, Talent & Inclusion at the Chamber is pleased with the commitment he's seeing between businesses and local schools. "When companies invest their time in an apprentice, they’re likely to gain a loyal, long-term employee. Because of the on-the-job training experience, a company can showcase its organization and culture – and build the next generation of talent."

Ruggeberg said that Rocky's youth apprenticeship programs are important in assisting students as they transition from school to the workforce, and that partnering with the Chamber has been important in this intiative. "Our partnership with the Chamber is critical in tying together our schools with local businesses that support and foster youth development," she said. "The Chamber keeps two-way communication going with schools and businesses in order to meet the needs of the ever-changing workforce." The school also has a partnership with UnityPoint Health for a CNA apprenticeship program. "UnityPoint has been vital in assisting students in the healthcare industry to pursue careers during and after high school," she said.

Travis Mackey, Career and Technical Education Director (CTE), Geneseo High School, said it's the second year the high school has offered apprenticeships. "Currently we have 7 students in the apprenticeship program, Three students in residential carpentry, three students in CNC and one student in heating and air conditioning," he said. "It has been great to see students pursue their passion while in high school and get a jump on their career. We are very fortunate our community business partners have joined us in educating and guiding our students. We have partnered with several local companies including Today’s Builders, Hazelwood Homes, Durian Builders and Springfield Armory."

Porter says the upcoming Student Success Symposium, on Tuesday, April 23, is a great way for businesses to connect with students on career opportunities. "This serves as a call to all employers within our region to allocate resources towards the development of our youth, creating a robust talent pipeline to effectively meet the demands of our workforce." 

If you would like to learn how your company can get involved with work-based learning, click on the "Talk to Us" button on the right.