Tag: Melissa Richards

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

Manufacturers Partner with ECC, The Quality Coach for Training

September 8, 2022 | Campus News

Front-line leaders at two area manufacturers completed advanced apprenticeship programs to hone their leadership skills and bolster their workforces.

Employees at The Children’s Factory, in Union, and RotoMetrics, in Eureka, took part in onsite Leadership Apprenticeship programs, led and facilitated by The Quality Coach (TQC), a leadership coaching and consulting firm.

The training was conducted in partnership with East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD). The manufacturers worked with the college’s CWD to navigate the funding process and coordinate with The Quality Coach.

The Quality Coach Leadership (TQC) Apprenticeship participants — Pictured are participants in The Quality Coach Leadership (TQC) Apprenticeship program conducted at The Children’s Factory, Union, in partnership with East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD). Front row, from left, are Dr. Brenda Bouse, TQC president; Ellen Woodruff, TQC; The Children’s Factory training participants Zachariah Hudson, Shannon Mize, Angela Gooch. Shirley Duffer, Tina McKenna, Rachel King, Tammie Pohlmann and Rachel Journey; Melissa Richards, ECC CWD; and Mary Shofner, TQC. Back row, from left, are Amy Eagan, TQC; and The Children’s Factory trainees Ike David, Larry Bettmeng, Adam Seamon, Rose Laroe, Becky Thompson, Justin Adams, Barbie Suite, and Will Hunter. Not pictured is Don Phinney.

The apprenticeship programs were funded through the Missouri Registered Apprenticeship 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 Department of Labor.

Melissa Richards, ECC’s apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, was key in making the apprenticeship a success.

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

Leadership Training

The TQC Leadership Apprenticeship program is designed to provide practical on-the-job skills for those either moving into a leadership role or those who are currently in a leadership position.

“We were proud and excited to work with these two clients to create, deliver and fund their apprenticeship programs,” Richards said.

She noted that TQC and ECC are at the forefront in strategic apprenticeship trains.

“Over the past year we’ve seen a shift from all technical apprenticeships to now include a strategic focus on Leadership Apprenticeships for future leaders, team leads, supervisors and executive leaders within an industry,” Richards added.

“Retention and succession planning are in the forefront of every employer’s mind and investing in a competency based Registered Apprenticeship program will continue to strengthen the talent and culture for these partners.”

TQC Apprenticeship Program

There were 22 Children’s Factory employees and 15 RotoMetrics employees who took part in the program.

According to Dr. Brenda Bouse, TQC owner, its apprenticeship program is customized to meet company objectives, but includes core and foundational leadership components critical for effective leadership in today’s environment.

“We were thrilled to work with the leaders within RotoMetrics and The Children’s Factory on honing their leadership skills,” she said. “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.

“Our team has a high amount of respect for those working in manufacturing and we are here to partner on successful outcomes in leading people,” Bouse added.

Chuck Wood, plant manager at RotoMetrics, said he previously was a client of The Quality Coach and wanted his team to have the same high level of leadership training.

“I was blown away by the passion that Brenda and her team bring to their jobs and this process,” Wood commented. “We have a very diverse team of leaders with varying degrees of experience — Brenda and her team have a special knack for connecting with anyone where they are on their journey in becoming better leaders.

“I know my team is stronger thanks to the training TQC provided.”

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.

Children’s Factory Partners with ECC, Quality Coach for Apprenticeship Program

November 18, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College is collaborating with the Children’s Factory, Union, and Quality Coach Consulting to establish a new apprenticeship program to enhance the leadership and job skills of employees.

According to Fatma Khemiri, senior human resources manager at Children’s Factory, the manufacturer worked with the college’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) to navigate the funding process and coordinate with Quality Coach.

“The program is under way and all the participants are fully engaged and eager to learn,” Khemiri said. “Our partnership with ECC is a recognition of the great role that the college is playing in Franklin County and particularly in the community of Union.”

He added that the leadership training program will provide new skills, so Children’s Factory leaders will become more successful in their roles.

“This collaboration will allow Children’s Factory to not only provide outstanding products for children, but also add to an outstanding work environment where everyone thrives,” Khemiri said.

He went on to thank Melissa Richards, ECC’s apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, for her work in making the partnership a success.

ECC is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) Nov. 15-21. NAW is a celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education and government leaders showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeships.

To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at ECC, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/registered-apprenticeships/.

About Children’s Factory

The Children’s Factory is a manufacturer and distributor that consists of three brands: Angeles, Children’s Factory and Learning Carpets. Its broad assortment provides learning spaces with a cohesive look including storage, seating and floor coverings in addition to unique play equipment that encourages discovery, motor development and social interaction.

To learn more about the manufacturer, visit www.childrensfactory.com or www.excelligence.com.