Heather Pierce, Workforce Education Manager; Edith Rojas, Corporate Sales and Support Coordinator; Paul C. Smith, Adjunct Instructor
Sugar Grove - Waubonsee Community College has received certification as a sponsor of the Department of Labor Registered Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. In partnership with employers, Waubonsee will offer students the opportunity to earn a college degree while working in high-growth, in-demand professions that offer competitive wages.
The state of Illinois recently passed HR447, the National Apprenticeships Act, which is meant to expand registered apprenticeships and strengthen pre-apprenticeship programs for youth throughout the state. Apprenticeship is a successful model for workforce development, driving permanent employment upon completion and competitive starting wages.
The designation of Waubonsee as an industrial maintenance apprenticeship sponsor will help the college’s recently restructured Business, Technology, and Workforce Education Department to provide quality work-based learning experiences and defined career pathways that include lifelong learning. Students who are hired for an apprenticeship will graduate without college debt as participating employers are required to provide tuition sponsorship. Waubonsee is actively pursuing accreditation from the Department of Labor for other apprenticeships in the skilled trades and healthcare professions.
Waubonsee is currently recruiting students and employer partners who may be interested in apprenticeships. Visit waubonsee.edu/apprenticeship for more information.
