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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

An older male worker wearing glasses and blue overalls instructs a younger male worker in a hard hat and plaid shirt in a manufacturing setting. They are reviewing a technical document together, symbolizing training and skill development in the workplace.

ECC Receives $1.2 Million for Area Manufacturers

December 30, 2024 | Campus News

The East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) has received $1.2 million in customized training funds to support leadership development and workforce training for employees at several area manufacturers in the region.

The funds are provided through the Missouri One Start program, a part of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Ranging from $8,000 to $65,000 per company, the funds will help manufacturers enhance employee skills, foster leadership growth, and strengthen the region’s workforce. A total of 32 area manufacturers are receiving funding.

“This funding is a significant investment in our local economy and workforce,” said Todd Tracy, CWD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with area businesses to provide tailored training programs that meet their specific needs and drive success.”

Impact Locally

According to Connie Rasmussen of Bugeye Technologies in Union, the company is using the training funds to provide leadership development for its management team and technical training for its employees. The training focuses on building management skills, achieving IPC certification, and improving proficiency in Excel—all critical for their operations as a smaller company.

“The training funds have allowed us to complete training for our managers and employees that we would have otherwise not been in our budget,” Rasmussen said. “The majority of our management team are younger employees and have not been in a managerial position previously, so the additional training has been beneficial in helping develop good Managers.”

She added that training funds like these are crucial to small businesses with limited training budgets.

“It is also helpful that ECC supports the growth and development of smaller businesses in our area,” Rasmussen said. “The grant funds are a tremendous help to small businesses.”

Kayla Whitcraft, Operations Analyst and Project Manager at Enjet Aero, shared that the company has benefited from customized training in leadership development, CNC programming, and CMM statistical analysis. This training has equipped their team with specialized skills necessary for success in the aerospace industry.

“Leadership development is crucial for fostering a strong, capable management team that can drive the company forward,” Whitcraft said. “The training provided has equipped our leaders with strategic thinking, decision-making, and people management skills, which are essential for guiding their teams and achieving our business objectives.”

Invaluable Partnership

Whitcraft noted that working with ECC’s CWD for customized training funds allows local employees to develop skills tailored to their needs.

“Partnerships with ECC’s Center for Workforce Development are invaluable as they provide access to high-quality, customized training programs that meet the specific needs of our company,” she added. “These collaborations also support the local workforce by enhancing their skills, making them more employable, and contributing to the economic growth of the region.”

Lacey Oswald, with WEG Transformers USA, explained that the Washington-based manufacturer has used the funds to enhance technical abilities, gain industry-specific certifications, and improve soft skills such as communication and teamwork. These targeted efforts have led to increased productivity, better employee retention, and greater overall competitiveness.

“Our company has significantly benefited from the Missouri One Start program through tailored training solutions that address our specific workforce needs,” she said. “This has led to increased productivity, improved employee retention, and enhanced overall competitiveness in our industry.”

The College’s CWD plays a key role in connecting local businesses with the resources and training they need to thrive. By leveraging Missouri One Start funding, ECC ensures that area manufacturers can continue to innovate and lead in their industries while creating opportunities for employees to grow professionally.

To learn more about CWD industry training and consulting, visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

Group of middle school students around manufacturing equipment and instructor.

Manufacturing Summit Highlights Franklin County’s Economic Strength

October 15, 2024 | Campus News

Franklin County’s diverse manufacturing base continues to be a driving force behind the region’s economic stability, according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research with DED, presented key economic data to local manufacturing leaders during the second annual Manufacturing Summit, held on Oct. 2 at East Central College (ECC).

Hosted by ECC’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and sponsored by engineering firm Cochran, the event attracted 58 attendees and took place during National Manufacturing Week.

This year’s Summit provided a unique intersection of workforce development and education, offering participants the chance to network, gain expert insights, and discuss workforce challenges facing the manufacturing sector.

In addition to Pinkerton’s presentation, attendees heard a keynote address from Anita Brooks of P4 Power Coaching™ on “Attracting & Retaining Top Talent for Manufacturers.” Guests also met with vendors, participated in breakout sessions, and connected with ECC employees and students.

“It was inspiring to see so many local industry leaders come together to share ideas and explore solutions,” said Todd Tracy, Executive Director of ECC’s CWD. “The discussions were valuable, and everyone left with new connections and insights.”

Tracy also noted two key takeaways from the Summit: the unveiling of CWD’s new Customized Leadership Series and a panel discussion on program expansion and potential partnerships with local manufacturers and suppliers.

Additionally, ECC’s CWD hosted tours for local middle and high school students, introducing them to ECC’s Business and Industry Center. The students met with instructors from the Industrial Engineering Technology, Precision Machining, Welding, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC) programs. For more information about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit the Center for Workforce Development or call 636-649-5800.

Man stands at a white board providing information on the economic status of Franklin County.

Center for Workforce Development to Celebrate Manufacturing Week

September 19, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) will recognize the significance of the regional manufacturing industry during Manufacturing Week, held the first week of October.

From Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, the College will host tours of its Business and Industry Center (BIC) for local middle and high school students, as well as a daylong Manufacturing Summit for area manufacturing. These events are part of ECC’s ongoing commitment to highlight the vital role of manufacturing in the local economy and to connect students with career opportunities in the field.

The 2nd Annual Manufacturing Summit will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the BIC, bringing together key manufacturing managers. The Summit will provide a platform for networking, exploring the latest industry tools, and gaining insights into trends that impact the sector.

Summit highlights include breakout sessions covering topics such as:

  • AI in Manufacturing
  • Building Leaders from Within
  • State and Local Resources for Manufacturing

Additional summit opportunities include:

The summit will feature guest speakers Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Anita Brooks, a P4 Power Coaching™ expert. Pinkerton will share insights on the state of manufacturing in Franklin County, while Brooks will deliver the keynote presentation, “Attracting & Retaining Top Talent for Manufacturers.”

Lunch and other meals will be provided at no cost, with the event concluding in an after-hours social where attendees can continue networking and participate in a raffle for prizes.

For more information or to register, please contact Todd Tracy at Todd.Tracy@eastcentral.edu or call 636.649.5807.

College Hires Executive Director of Center for Workforce Development

December 16, 2022 | Campus News

East Central College hired Todd Tracy, the Economic Development Executive Director for Jefferson County, to be the College’s new Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development (CWD).

Tracy has been working in Jefferson County since 2019 and played a crucial role earlier this year in bringing a new manufacturing facility, James Hardie Building Products Inc., to Jefferson County. The new facility will create nearly 240 new high-paying jobs in the region.

According to Tracy, the CWD’s role in improving and growing the local business and industry aligns closely with his professional experience.

“ECC’s Center for Workforce Development has done a phenomenal job serving the local business and industry’s workforce training needs,” he said. “As this is where my passion lies, having the opportunity to lead the CWD was a natural fit for me.”

Tracy’s position will lead and manage the workforce development programs of ECC, including job training services and programs. Tracy and the CWD team will work with businesses to keep them competitive in a global economy.

“The ECC administration engages workforce education as a pillar of economic development and I’m looking forward to the challenges of expanding that notion,” Tracy said.

Tracy was hired Dec. 12 following the recommendation of a search committee for a new full-time Executive Director of the CWD. He will begin at the college Jan. 3, 2023.
The College’s CWD is housed in the Business and Industry Center in Union.

From 2003-09, Tracy was the Director of the Illinois Small Business Development & International Trade Center at Kaskaskia College, a community college located in Centralia, Ill.

“I have been actively exploring an opportunity to rejoin the community college environment since moving to Missouri three years ago, and I’m very excited to bring my experiences to ECC,” he said.

Todd received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

He took his first position in economic development at Southeastern IL Regional Planning where he worked from 1994 -1999.

To learn more about ECC’s Center for Workforce Development, visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.