Tag: Apprenticeships


Teacher Apprenticeship Information Sessions


April 16, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College and Central Methodist University to Host Informational Sessions on Teacher Apprenticeship Program

East Central College and Central Methodist University are hosting two informational Zoom sessions for individuals interested in learning more about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program launching at ECC this fall.

These brief sessions will provide an overview of the program and include time for questions.

Session Dates and Details:

Wednesday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 889 0190 2639
Passcode: 546634

Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 894 6961 2565
Passcode: 724616

To learn more about the Teacher Apprenticeship Program and how it aims to strengthen the local workforce, visit this Campus News Story.

For additional information, please contact East Central College or visit www.eastcentral.edu.


East Central College logo

ECC Launches Education Apprenticeship to Strengthen Local Workforce


April 4, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College is opening a new door to careers in education through a teacher apprenticeship initiative aimed at strengthening the local workforce and addressing the statewide teacher shortage.

The College is launching pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways that combine coursework, hands-on experience, and grant-funded support to create a practical route for individuals interested in becoming educators.

For more information about ECC’s Teacher Education Apprenticeship Program, email: teacher.apprentice@eastcentral.edu

These programs are designed to support those just beginning their education journey, as well as adults considering a career change—providing opportunities to work in education without leaving the community.

“One of the main ideas behind our Teacher Apprenticeship Model is multiple entry points with defined assistance along the way.  Whether someone is just starting their education journey or considering a career change, this program makes it more accessible to become a certified teacher in our service area,” said Greg Stotler, ECC Teacher Education Coordinator.

“We’re helping people build a future in the teaching profession in our community while they continue to work in crucial support roles in our schools within those communities.”

The pre-apprenticeship options prepare participants for success in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship and include roles such as:

  • Substitute Teacher
  • Paraprofessional
  • Teacher Assistant

Participants can earn certifications and gain valuable experience in local classrooms while continuing their education through ECC’s degree programs:

  • Associate of Arts in Education
  • Associate of Arts in Teaching
  • Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

In partnership with ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the College also received official approval from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer an Integrated Education and Training (IET) course. This course provides immediate access to substitute teacher and paraprofessional credentials and can be combined with high school equivalency preparation or academic skill development as needed.

The success of ECC’s teacher apprenticeship initiative is the result of collaboration among several departments at the College. The Center for Workforce Development, AEL and the Education pathway are working together to build accessible, high-quality pathways for future educators. This effort is being led by Stotler, Todd Tracy, Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development; and Alice Whalen, Director of Adult Education and Literacy.

The apprenticeship pathway includes benefits such as:

  • Paid work experience in education-related roles
  • Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED
  • Substitute teacher credentials
  • U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion
  • Up to $500 in support for qualifying pre-apprenticeship participants

This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort through the Missouri – Southeast Pathways to Work (MoSEPWork) consortium, a collaboration of five colleges working to improve access to innovative pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in three high-demand sectors: teacher education, nursing, and advanced manufacturing.

MoSEPWork Consortium:

  • Jefferson College (Lead Institution)
  • East Central College
  • Mineral Area College
  • Three Rivers College
  • Central Methodist University

The project is funded by a $3.99 million U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America – Round 2 (ABA2) grant. East Central College’s portion of the funding totals $793,775 and will support program development through June 2028. The ECC grant budget includes:

  • Personnel, Fringe & Travel: $324,182
  • Equipment (including a 5-Axis Mill for Precision Manufacturing): $99,230
  • Contractual Services, Tuition & Outreach: $298,202
  • Indirect Costs: $72,161


Clemco student training at ECC

Clemco Employees Thrive Through ECC’s IMT Apprenticeship


June 25, 2024 | Campus News

Two Clemco Industries employees recently completed the Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) apprenticeship program and are already experiencing the positive impact on their careers.

In February, Washington residents Gabe Altemeyer and Caleb Gildehaus completed the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) IMT apprenticeship through East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development. They both earned an Industrial Engineering Technology Certificate of Achievement from ECC, as well as DOL IMT Certificates of Completion.

Altemeyer said he has already seen the substantial impact of the apprenticeship program on his career and noted the ease of starting the program, thanks to the support from Clemco advisors and Melissa Richards, CWD Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator.

Gabe Altemeyer

Altemeyer gained valuable skills, including wiring, programming, schematic reading, and the use of motors and drives.

“I also learned to problem-solve using different methods,” he shared. “The biggest strength for me was the labs. Working on something physical and seeing operations is the best way for me to learn.”

The structured program not only provided clear expectations but also accommodated Altemeyer’s work schedule, allowing time off to attend classes and complete his studies. He noted that his journey into the apprenticeship program began with a conversation with his supervisor and HR person, leading to meetings with Richards to explore available programs.

Caleb Gildehaus

With three years at Clemco, Gildehaus found the program easy to begin through the partnership between Clemco and ECC. He quickly signed up and began learning essential skills like reading wiring schematics, understanding electrical concepts, pneumatics, PLC programming, and robotics.

Caleb Gildehaus

Gildehaus said anyone interested in industrial work, machinery, or maintenance should consider this apprenticeship to cultivate growth in their own careers.

“The instructors are all very knowledgeable in the field of industrial engineering and maintenance. They have practical experience as well as theory-based knowledge to back up their skills,” Gildehaus explained.

The program’s structure allowed Gildehaus to balance work and study effectively, providing a clear roadmap to success.

“The program fit very well around my workday to allow me to get my working hours in as well as my homework and class work done,” he noted.

Both Altemeyer and Gildehaus’s stories underscore the value of the Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship program. Their experiences highlight how such initiatives can enhance employees’ skills, advance their careers, and contribute to the growth and success of their companies.

Impact of CWD Programs

CWD apprenticeship programs do more than just improve productivity—they also enhance the bottom line for companies, offering opportunities for tax credits and employee benefits.

Currently, ECC offers DOL-registered apprenticeship programs in various technical occupations, including Industrial Engineering Technology, Welding, Precision Machining, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Richards emphasized the extensive reach of DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, which span over 1,000 occupations and continue to grow. These apprenticeships are accessible to both union and non-union organizations.

“We have excelled in technical apprenticeships for over five years, and we are now expanding to register more apprenticeship occupations in health care and information technology,” she stated.

The CWD is at the forefront of creating industry-leading and adaptable training solutions to meet both national and local needs. It’s important to note that for every $1 invested in an apprenticeship, employers can expect approximately $1.50 in return on investment, Richards added.

For more information about apprenticeship programs, contact the ECC CWD at Training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800, or visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.


Hodges Badge Partners with College’s CWD for Leadership Apprenticeship Program


April 4, 2024 | Campus News

More than 20 employees at Hodges Badge Company recently completed a Front-Line Leader apprenticeship program, equipping them with increased confidence and contributing to the development of a more skilled and forward-thinking workforce.

That’s according to Rick Hodges, President of Hodges Badge Company, who credited a partnership between East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD), Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Program (MoAMP) in collaboration with the state and his Washington-based manufacturer of custom awards.

The Front-Line Leader apprenticeship program is a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship program tailored to the employees at Hodges Badge. The ECC CWD’s role was to ensure the seamless execution of the program, providing invaluable support and guidance throughout the process.

Employees who engaged in the year-long apprenticeship have displayed notable enhancements in their abilities, leading to a workforce that is better prepared to tackle challenges and seek out process improvements, Hodges explained.

Soft skills development has been particularly remarkable. Apprentices have demonstrated a keen willingness to share ideas and knowledge for the collective benefit of their colleagues and the company.

“Employees completing the apprenticeship program are more adept at communicating effectively, including navigating difficult conversations with ease,” Hodges commented. “They are better equipped to handle tough personnel issues, leading to increased trust and respect among peers.”

As the second round of apprenticeships concludes successfully, Hodges Badge Company looks ahead to further advancements and achievements from its workforce, buoyed by the ongoing support from East Central College and the State of Missouri.

“We are thrilled with the outcomes of the apprenticeship program and the dedication shown by our employees,” added Hodges. “Their enthusiasm for continued learning and improvement bodes well for the future of Hodges Badge Company.”

For over a century, Hodges Badge has been a premier manufacturer of custom awards, including ribbons, rosettes, medals, and badges, serving customers nationwide. Learn more about the company and its commitment to employee development, visit the company’s website or contact them directly.

To learn more about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit the Registered Apprenticeships page or call 636-649-5800.


College’s CWD Sponsors First IT Apprenticeship


February 23, 2024 | Campus News

The first Information Technology-focused apprenticeship was recently completed through a partnership between East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and WEG Transformers USA. Erick Voss, a network and computer systems administrator at WEG, successfully finished a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship program tailored to IT positions, marking the first of its kind at ECC.

Voss acquired proficiency in Microsoft Azure tools and online Azure programs, emphasizing the significance of cloud computing. Additionally, he received training in cybersecurity tools provided by Cisco. Voss highlighted the opportunity to select training that would be most beneficial for his role at WEG USA.

“I learned commands and tools for troubleshooting and networking, and I gained insights into detailed cybersecurity threats and the best ways to combat them,” he stated.

WEG’s human resources department recommended the apprenticeship to Voss and collaborated directly with the CWD. “I highly recommend this to my coworkers in IT because it can be tailored to any skill set,” he added.

Melissa Richards, ECC’s CWD apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, mentioned that CWD partnered with SAFAL Partners, a DOL intermediary offering training resources and apprenticeship expertise for sponsors like ECC. She highlighted that ECC utilized DOL funding to create this customized apprenticeship, with registrations and validations provided by the DOL.

“Industry partners like SAFAL enable ECC to expand into new areas of training and study, as we are primarily involved in manufacturing apprenticeships,” Richards explained. “We are always seeking to broaden our apprenticeship offerings and fields of study for all industries in our service region.

“Programs like this enable us to customize and tailor training to a company, a department, or a specific employee so they receive the training they need in an area of study relevant to their work or career advancement.”

To learn more about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit our Registered Apprenticeships page or call 636-649-5800.


ECC Awarded Funds for Career Training & Apprenticeships


December 11, 2023 | Campus News

East Central College has been awarded funds aimed at reducing training costs for individuals entering apprenticeships or enrolling in career-ready programs.

Those who qualify for programs could be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover the expenses associated with their training or courses. These funds are applicable to both pre-apprenticeship programs and Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship programs, as well as career technical for-credit programs.

This state funding provides valuable support for individual students looking to acquire new skills and businesses interested in enrolling employees in apprenticeship programs for skill development.

The pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeship programs are offered through ECC’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD). Learn more here: www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

To learn more about manufacturing programs offered through ECC’s career-ready division, visit www.eastcentral.edu/career-technical-education/.

Programs Eligible for Funding:

Manufacturing:

  • HVAC
  • Welding
  • Precision Machining
  • Industrial Maintenance

Health Care:

  • CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
  • CMT (Certified Medication Technician)
  • CNA Preceptor

To learn more or participate in the funding program, please contact CWD Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator Melissa Richards at 636-649-5806 or melissa.richards@eastcentral.edu.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All credit career and technical classes begin the week of January 16, 2024, and all forms or applications must be completed before classes start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pre-apprenticeship program?

Pre-apprenticeships are specifically designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) or other job opportunities. These programs, customizable to fit industry needs, may last from a few weeks to a few months. They provide a chance for companies to assess the abilities and commitment of new or existing employees before committing to a more extended training program.

What is a registered DOL apprenticeship program?

Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways offering paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a portable credential. ECC can assist in establishing companywide apprenticeship programs, guiding employers through the entire process.

How to participate in the funding program?

Employers should identify a training area from the list above, and ECC will collaborate to schedule the training program. Each trainee, whether sponsored by a business or an individual, will need to complete a registration packet and provide forms of identification.

How to register a DOL apprenticeship program?

ECC will partner with employers to create a comprehensive apprenticeship training program, including standards, training requirements, and on-the-job competencies. With partnerships already established with 30 area businesses and the training of over 100 apprentices, ECC is well-equipped to guide this process.

Benefits of a DOL registered apprenticeship program:

A registered apprenticeship program provides clear expectations and pay advances for apprentices and participating employers. ECC and the company will collaboratively design a training program ensuring competency in the field upon completion. These programs offer mentorship opportunities, allowing individuals to earn income while acquiring hands-on skills relevant to their daily work.

East Central College is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.


CWD Apprenticeship Program — Empowers Employee and Industry Growth


November 8, 2023 | Campus News

Robert Laws’ successful completion of the Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship through the East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) is a testament to the value of workforce development and education collaboration.

Laws, Union, a dedicated employee at Silgan Plastics in Union, provides a prime example of how the CWD continually offers opportunities for local employees to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and contribute to industry growth.

The Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship is offered through the is offered through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship program, coordinated and instructed by ECC’s CWD.

At 40 years old, Laws, who has been with Silgan Plastics for seven years, emphasizes the apprenticeship’s importance in advancing his career and deepening his understanding of industrial processes. He strongly encourages others with similar opportunities to seize them.

“I would highly encourage this program to anyone who wants to move forward in a position, or who wants to better understand how things around industry function,” he said. “The apprenticeship has assisted me in my problem-solving skills when dealing with various types of equipment.”

Laws explained that the apprenticeship was offered through Silgan at a time when he was looking to continue his education.

“It just so happened that the timing was right, and the opportunity was available in a discipline that interested me,” he commented.

“While taking classes and working in the maintenance department, I was able to apply the knowledge I gained to real-life situations,” Laws added. “Having both in-class learning and on-the-job training made it much easier to solve and understand issues we encounter in our industry on a daily basis.”

Industry Benefits

Laws is the first of five employees at Silgan to complete the apprenticeship. Jeanie Ray, Human Resource Manager at Silgan, emphasized that employees enrolled in the program exhibit higher competence and confidence after starting.

“The most significant benefit we see is faster progress toward becoming qualified mechanics,” she said. “The employees are also more engaged, display a great attitude, and are unafraid to tackle tasks. They have a positive attitude toward learning new skills and are better team players.”

Ray further noted that any industry offering Department of Labor registered apprenticeships to its employees will benefit from this ECC CWD Apprenticeship Program.

“We would recommend any manufacturer to utilize the program,” she added. “The benefits to us have been well worth the effort.”

Apprenticeship Participation

According to Laws, beginning the Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship through the CWD was seamless.

“It was incredibly easy to access due to the support provided by Silgan and East Central College,” he stated.

Ray added that Silgan cooperated with any employee interested in participating in the apprenticeship.

“We allowed employees to make their own decisions regarding program participation,” she noted. “If they chose to do it, we adjusted their work schedule to ensure they could attend the program without any penalty.”

CWD Apprenticeships

CWD apprenticeship programs are more than a catalyst for improved productivity. They also boost the bottom line for companies, all while offering opportunities for tax credits and employee benefits. Currently, ECC offers DOL registered apprenticeship programs in various technical occupations, including Industrial Engineering Technology, Welding, Precision Machining, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Melissa Richards, the ECC CWD Apprenticeship and Business Training Coordinator, highlighted the reach of DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, which span over 1,000 occupations and continue to grow. These apprenticeships are accessible to both union and non-union organizations.

“We have been strong with technical apprenticeships for over five years, and now we are working to register more apprenticeship occupations in the areas of health care and information technology,” she said.

The CWD’s is at the forefront of creating industry-leading and adaptable training solutions to meet both national and local needs. It’s important to note that for every $1 invested in an apprenticeship, employers can expect approximately $1.50 in return on investment, Richards added.

For more information about apprenticeship programs, contact the ECC CWD at Training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800.


Cohen Woodworking Employee Completes ECC Apprenticeship Program


May 24, 2023 | Campus News

Cameron Davis recently completed an apprenticeship program through East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) where he learned new skills that helped him earn more money.

Davis, 28, of Rolla, is employed by Cohen Woodworking, an architectural woodworking firm based in St. James. He began the Industrial Maintenance Specialization apprenticeship program through the CWD in January 2021.

During the two-your program, Davis grew from a Team leader with Cohen to the company’s Maintenance/Safety Coordinator. His pay increased by 35 percent during the two-year stretch.

An apprenticeship is on-the-job training with job-related instruction intended to develop new skills and to increase employee wages.

“I was able to receive free schooling throughout the program thanks to grants through ECC, and my company and I believe continued education allowed me to grow my self-worth,” Davis said.

He learned new skills, such as variable frequency drives, programmable logic controllers, motor alignment, safety and, “So much more that I use every day.”

Classes were held at ECC in Rolla and Davis earned an Industrial Maintenance Certificate of Specialization and a Department of Labor Certificate of Apprenticeship as an Industrial Maintenance Technician.

Davis noted that Duane Clonts, the instructor of the program, played a role in his success.

“My instructor was great — he provided real-world examples from his experience in maintenance positions,” Davis said. “He was easy to talk with and when I asked questions, he broke down the instructional material so I could understand it.”

And registering for the program was simple, he added.

“ECC staff came onsite to Cohen to help complete all the forms with me,” Davis said. “Then I was able to start school a couple of weeks after that.”

Cohen Woodworking is an architectural woodworking firm that builds high-quality custom millwork components and casework for healthcare, education, retail, transportation, hotels, and more, for new construction, renovation, and disaster reconstruction. To learn more about the company, visit www.cohenwoodworking.com.

Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship programs improves productivity and the bottom line for companies, as well as provide opportunities for tax credits and employee benefits.

The CWD’s program creates industry-driving and flexible training solutions to meet national and local needs. For every $1 spent on an apprenticeship, employers receive approximately $1.50 return on investment.

To create an apprenticeship program, contact the ECC CWD at Training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800.


Children’s Factory Employees Complete Leadership Apprenticeship Program


March 23, 2023 | Campus News

There were 16 employees of The Children’s Factory who recently completed a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship program coordinated by East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD).

The Leadership Apprenticeship program was geared toward future leaders, team leads, supervisors and executive leaders within The Children’s Factory, located in Union.

The training was funded through the Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Program (MoAMP), a statewide initiative to improve the ability to deliver innovative pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training programs. The apprenticeships are registered and validated by the DOL.

According to Melissa Richards, CWD apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, the apprenticeship program was conducted at the manufacture’s site and ECC. It was led and facilitated by The Quality Coach (TQC), a leadership coaching and consulting firm.

The Children’s Factory — which manufactures and distributes learning spaces and unique play equipment — worked with the college’s CWD to navigate the funding process and coordinate with the apprenticeship program with TQC.

This program was designed to deliver practical on-the-job skills for employees moving into a leadership role or those who are currently in a leadership position.

“TQC and ECC are at the forefront in strategic apprenticeship training,” Richards said. “We have been experiencing a shift from all technical apprenticeships, toward a combination of leadership apprenticeships, with technical training.”

She added that employee retention and succession planning are in the forefront for manufacturing employers.

“Investing in a competency-based Registered Apprenticeship program will continue to strengthen the talent and culture for these partners,” Richards commented.

TQC’s apprenticeship program was customized to meet company objectives, but also included core and foundational leadership components, critical for effective leadership in today’s environment.

The program included one-on-one coaching and blended learning with tools and resources, including “how to best respond to challenges in today’s workplace.”

A consortium of nine schools, established by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA), participate in MoAMP, which utilizes DOL funding to strengthen workforces and build workers’ competencies.

To learn more about MoAMP apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/registered-apprenticeships/ or call 636-649-5800.


ECC Partners With Manufacturer to Provide Internships for Welding Students


February 14, 2023 | Campus News

East Central College and WEG Transformers USA embarked on a collaboration project that has benefited both the college’s welding students and the Washington-based manufacturer of power transformers.

WEG Transformers provided an internship for four ECC Welding students who learned the ropes while working for the industry. Through the internship, the students gained hands-on, real-word experience at the manufacturer. WEG is a multi-national company that produces power and distribution transformers at its Washington plant for North America and overseas.

The students — Holly Downey, Sadie Meyer, Zach Regot and Cole Vance — completed the internship in the Fall 2022 semester and earned 5 credits hours each.

WEG and ECC developed a four-week internship that assesses students from safety, attendance, welding, blueprint reading and communication, according to ECC Welding Program Coordinator Bobby Bland.

“The interns were partnered with select employees from WEG that would be a great fit to the needs of the students, while working with the employees, students got to see first-hand to what working in a manufacturing facility was really like,” Bland said. “As instructors we can talk about the experience all we want in class but for student to be in that production environment it is higher learning education at its finest.”

Once they completed the internship, students were given a writing assignment to reflect on their experience at WEG.

“The papers were above and beyond my expectations of what they learned while they participated in the internship,” said Dr. Richard Hudanick, dean of career and technical education. “Students wrote about their struggles, triumphs and excitement, coming back with more value that they can share with their fellow students in class, which really engaged the rest of the class.”

“These students are developing talent in an ever-expanding field of transformer manufacturing where welding is core,” he added. “This is a success story.”

WEG USA Human Resource Director Chris Vansickle said the ECC students worked closely alongside WEG employees and learned from the company’s culture.

“We value each individual contribution to our success, and we motivate people by means of integrity, ethics and constant support to personal development,” he said. “Working as a team, we gather the best knowledge, intelligence and skill to constantly improve our work and benefit our customers.

“Every day we work to make things better. All products, processes and developments are driven by the desire to increase efficiency,” Vansickle added.

Hudanick said Bland met with the four students, and WEG supervisors and employees after the conclusion of the internship to gather information to make the next collaboration even more successful.

“Internships and apprenticeships are the future of filling manufacturing employment opportunities within our community,” Hudanick said.

ECC and WEG Partnerships

The College’s Adult Education and Literacy program and WEG already had been working together before the welding internships.

More than 30 WEG employees are being taught English Language Acquisition (ELA) courses through the ECC AEL program.

The students joined WEG in 2021 through the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) — an immigrant and job placement service/information hub which connects refugees and immigrants to a variety of opportunities in the St. Louis region. The jobs range from entry-level to professional positions, within a variety of industries.

AEL Director Alice Whalen and Vansickle worked together to implement the ELA courses at WEG.