We can build the workforce for tomorrow from those who already are here today. Through partnerships with schools and businesses, high school students throughout the region are enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs, an avenue that allows them to make career connections, set goals and enjoy a great life here in the region.
“The Registered High School Apprenticeship Program is a sustainable pipeline of great talent for companies and the students are its greatest advertisement. They share their stories with classmates and family members, and that leads to more students entering into the candidate program,” said David Ottavianelli, Workforce Project Manager for Deere & Company who, in partnership with two area high schools, launched the program in 2019.
“When I am talking to businesses, I tell them if you’re unsure about taking on high school apprentice, start small. But give it a try. After one year, we find the businesses realize this can be done and they expand their program,” he said.
Right now, there are 90+ high school students from across the region who want to begin worksite apprentice training in June. The Chamber, in partnership with Ottavianelli and school districts throughout the region, are seeking more business partners to sign on.
“There is a misconception that students or employees have to be over the age of 18 to work at a company. We’ve done extensive research on this and as long as the student is enrolled in a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program, students as young as 16 can work in manufacturing roles such as welding, CNC machining and assembly with certain restrictions,” Ottavianelli said.
“We’ve found that these students are willing to work, they show up on time, are technically competent and can add value to the company while in the apprentice program. They are a valuable resource to our future pipeline of talent. These programs allow us to help students make that connection early and get started on a structured path that will give them the credentials and the skills to enter the workforce right upon graduation,” he said.
And student apprentices can work in a union environment. “John Deere employees are represented by the United Auto Workers and we’ve been working extensively with them to set up a process where students are able to come in and get this training and earn credentials. The employees within our company are eager to host these students and are willing to help grow that future workforce,” he said.
Deere & Company, and the Davenport and North Scott schools district launched the program here three years ago after visiting a similar program in Pella, Iowa. The first year, four business partners and nine students participated in signing day, an event that celebrates the students’ commitment to their career path. Last year more than 40 students took part in signing day and more than double the number are expected this year. More and more high schools in the region continue to participate as well.
“It’s amazing to see how quickly this program has grown in just a few short years. And the program expansions that the schools and businesses are working on for the future, it all is very exciting,” said the Chamber’s Talent Manager Emily Codling, who has been talking with potential business partners throughout the region.
Ottavianelli said the goal is to place approximately 90 to 100 students to start the work-based learning elements of their apprenticeship program in June, and while many business partners have signed on and agreed to guide a high school apprentice, the Chamber is seeking more.
“We are still looking for business partners in welding for the summer 2022 program. I invite any business who is interested in learning more to reach out to me,” Codling said.
Manufacturing isn’t the only industry in which we can build a sustainable pipeline of future talent. “Our initial focus was on welding and CNC machining,” Ottavianelli said, “but there is great potential in a number of areas outside manufacturing including the healthcare, IT and financial sectors. There also are opportunities for pre-apprenticeships in skilled trades like construction and electrical,” he said.
Pre-apprenticeship programs are not as formalized but allow high school and adult learners to gain the skills to enter an apprenticeship program. In fact, one program IGNITE, is stirring excitement in the Quad Cities. It is a nationally accredited pre-apprentice program that allows students and adult learners to explore what they are interested in, “and then that experience can be a pipeline into a formalized apprenticeship program at a company,” Ottavianelli said.
Many high school students realize early on college is not the path they want to follow and are seeking other ways to use and contribute their talents and skills. “This is an incredible opportunity for these students to gain a $60,000 - $80,000 salary upon graduation and a full-time career. These programs will set them up for success and it is hands-on. They can find a career they are passionate about and we’ve seen many successful transitions into the workforce,” he added.
Businesses can learn more about the Registered High School Apprenticeship Program and pre-apprenticeship programs by emailing Emily Codling.
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