A group of 37 Heartland Community College student apprentices in programs including manufacturing and healthcare were recognized for taking the next step in their careers.
Heartland is celebrating the fifth year of registered apprenticeship programs offering unique, flexible instruction programs combining job-related courses with structured on-the-job learning experiences.
Heartland’s 2025 apprenticeship cohorts participated in a signing ceremony and recognition of employer partners on December 3, 2025. Apprentices from employer partners Bridgestone, Caterpillar Pontiac, 8th Street Welding & Hydraulics, OSF Healthcare, Rivian, and Westminster Village participated in the ceremony.
Since launching in 2020, Heartland has enrolled 127 apprentices in programs that help employers “skill up” their workforce through specialized training.
“Employer support for apprentices demonstrates a strategic investment in their most valuable asset: people,” said Sarah Diel-Hunt, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “These programs help individuals build skills and competencies that are recognized nationwide. They also create a direct pipeline for employers to access tailored, high-quality talent.”
Ian Barnes, Senior Training Instructor at Rivian Automotive, spoke to the group about the international approaches to internship programs in manufacturing. Barnes recently traveled with the German American Chamber of Commerce on a study trip to Southern Germany. As part of this transatlantic apprenticeship initiative, participants visited companies, schools, and other organizations involved in apprenticeships to connect with experts and exchange best practices across the Atlantic.
Apprenticeship programs align with expanded offerings in Career and Technical Education at Heartland Community College. Since 2019, Heartland has added over 40 certificates and degrees to meet needs in growing industries, healthcare expansion, and the skilled trades experiencing generational retirements.
