Parkland College Hosts Inaugural Apprenticeship Celebration During National Apprenticeship Week
Attendees enjoyed a morning of recognition, networking, and celebration.
Parkland College hosted its inaugural Apprenticeship Celebration in November during National Apprenticeship Week.
On Friday, November 22, Parkland College celebrated its first Apprenticeship Celebration in the Student Union, honoring the achievements of apprenticeship completers and the contributions of employer partners who play a pivotal role in workforce development.
The event brought together apprenticeship completers, their employers and leadership teams, the college’s employer partners, faculty, staff, administrators, and local officials to recognize the growth and success of the college’s apprenticeship programs.
Completers with Birkey's Farm Store, Inc include Jerred Grussing, Jacob Kolb, Alex Myers, Nolan Regan, Blaze Rich, Benjamin Taylor, Gaven Vannoy, and Samuel Wheat.
Completers with Caterpillar Integrated Logistics include Argel Armea, George DePillars, Matt Elam, Reginant Galleta, Virginia Gannon, Jaymi Green, Brittany Gustafson, Arthur Luke, Diane Meneses, Kevin Mupay, Chelsy Murphy, Justin Olson, Gregory Porter, Elizabeth Robbins, David Ruhnow, Jason Smith, Ashley Snell, Kimberly Takeda, Terry Tester, and Theodis White.
Over the past year, Parkland College’s apprenticeship offerings and enrollment have doubled, reflecting the institution’s reinvigorated commitment to workforce development and partnerships with industry leaders. The celebration highlighted the college’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening ties with regional employers.
“This event showcases the power of apprenticeships to transform lives and build a skilled workforce,” said Aimee Densmore, director of apprenticeships. “We are proud to honor our newest journeyworkers and thank our employer partners for their dedication to supporting the next generation of talent.”
Attendees enjoyed a morning of recognition, networking, and celebration, including keynote addresses from Brady Foster, president and CEO of Birkey’s Farm Store, Inc; Christopher Dacar, project manager at Caterpillar Integrated Logistics; and Nolan Regan, a recent graduate and field service technician for Birkey’s.
Parkland College looks forward to expanding its apprenticeship programs and continuing to collaborate with industry leaders to create meaningful career pathways for students. Businesses in District 505 that wish to explore opportunities available within an apprenticeship program partnership may contact Aimee Densmore, director of apprenticeships, workforce development, at adensmore@parkland.edu.
Individuals interested in applying for apprenticeship programs can learn more at parkland.edu/apprenticeship.
(Image description: Nolan Regan, a recent graduate and field service technician for Birkey’s Farm Store, Inc, receives his certificate from Parkland College President Dr. Pam Lau. Regan gave a keynote address at the inaugural Apprenticeship Celebration. Photo credit: Trevor Revesz, Birkey's Farm Store, Inc)