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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
These are the participants in The Quality Coach Leadership (TQC) Apprenticeship program conducted at RootMetrics, Eureka, in partnership with East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD). Front row, from left, are Billy Bradley, Joel Potter, Chris Kunkel, Keith Froning, Tim Williams-Bonnett and Taylor Schafler. Second row, from left, are Gene Wilson, Gary Jinkerson, Mike Parmeley, Jef Haugh and Jeff Burris. Third row, from left, are Melissa Richards, ECC CWD; and Amy Eagan, Ellen Woodruff, Dr. Lori Vanleer, Dr. Brenda Bouse, all with TQC. Back row, from left, are Chuck Wood, Tony Corscadded, Frank Farruggia and Stephen Minardi, with RotoMetrics.
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.
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.
WEG Transformers USA (WEG), is seeking to hire multiple new employees, and then sponsor them through East Central College’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.
ECC’s Apprenticeship Program, though the Center for Workforce Development, provides training to employees of area manufacturers, which is tailored to the needs of each company. The apprenticeships in ECC’s career and tech programs provides a chance for employees to earn wages while they are taking part in the apprenticeship.
Team members in these programs will be represented by IUE-CWA, Local 86114.
According to WEG, ECC’s registered apprenticeship programs provide in-depth skill training in areas such as industrial maintenance, welding and machining, to meet the needs of local companies.
“We are highly impressed with the innovative Apprenticeship Program at ECC and we look forward to training new employees,” said Lacey Oswald, human resource generalist with WEG.
“We are very fortunate to have a resource in our community such as ECC that provides state-of-the-art training for companies in our area. We are very excited to have another opportunity to invest in our employees in the manner.”
ECC and WEG have partnered previously to provide training to employees.
ECC apprentices learn on the job while also taking classes at the college that can lead to a certificate and/or a degree in high-demand manufacturing fields.
An apprenticeship shows current and potential employees that a company is willing to invest in them. The investment strengthens a company’s workforce retention efforts.
WEG specializes in the manufacturing, assembly, supervision, and commissioning services of Power and Distribution Transformers – refer to www.weg.us for additional details about WEG’s product and other relevant matters.
Currently, WEG’s product demand has been growing substantially and the company is looking for determined, committed and enthusiastic people to help increase operations for one of three manufacturing facilities in Heidmann Industrial Park in Washington.
To become eligible to participate in an ECC apprenticeship, job seekers must apply for a position at WEG. If the applicant is hired, then ECC partners with WEG to provide the required skill-set training.
To apply for a position at WEG, visit https://weg.us/contact/ and click the “Apply Today” button, or call the company’s Washington location at 636-239-9300 to speak with Chris Vansickle, HR Manager.
