Kaskaskia College Hosts Apprenticeship Forum on Campus for Local Businesses

National Apprenticeship Week is Nov. 17-23.

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week and to highlight the impact apprentices have on local businesses, Kaskaskia College is hosting an Apprenticeship Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on campus. Businesses from the region are invited to attend and learn firsthand from employers and current apprentices about the benefits of the registered apprenticeship program. Employers will listen to engaging panel discussions on the flexibility, ease, and requirements for starting an apprenticeship program in their industry, along with the tax credits that are available to those who host an apprenticeship.

Over the previous three years, Kaskaskia College has grown the number of businesses participating in its apprenticeship program from one to 11 employers. KC Dean of Workforce Engagement & Industrial Career Service Joy Fitts said the registered apprenticeship program benefits both apprentices and businesses.

Our faculty and staff work closely with the employers to identify the skills that students need to be successful in the workplace, Fitts said. Our faculty and staff work closely with the business to customize a training program specific to the employer's needs. While enrolled in the apprenticeship training program, students are able to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom in a real-world job setting, benefiting both the employer and apprentice. Students are able to take the skills learned at KC to their employer and bring a fresh, new way of solving a problem that maybe the employer hasn't implemented yet. There are so many program benefits for both sides.

Local businesses and Kaskaskia College both want to keep skilled workers in the region after they graduate, and Fitts said the apprenticeship program provides students with job opportunities in the area, making them more likely to stay in the local community. KC is an approved sponsor for the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. As such, KC helps businesses set up apprenticeship programs and files the paperwork on behalf of the employer. The upcoming event is for any business interested in learning more about establishing apprentices.

Fitts said we will have a panel of employers talk about how they started the apprenticeship program, the tax benefits, the return on investment, and the successes they've had with the program. They will also share any challenges they experienced when starting the apprenticeship program. A panel of apprentices will also explain how the program benefitted them financially and academically and share their overall training experience.

Fitts said the apprenticeship program is not just about recruiting new employees. Current employees at businesses also qualify for the program. Maybe those employees don't currently have the skills to advance to a higher position in the company, but through the apprenticeship, they can learn those skills at Kaskaskia College. There will also be a luncheon hosted by The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce after the forum from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m,. where businesses can learn about all KC has to offer beyond the apprenticeship training program. To register for the forum and luncheon, click the following link: https://www.jotform.com/242674250554053.