Parkland College Adds AFSI to Expanding Portfolio of Apprenticeship Programs
Parkland College Expands Apprenticeship Program in Partnership with AFSI
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Parkland College, in partnership with Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFSI), is pleased to announce the launch of a new, nationally recognized apprenticeship program to train the next generation of industrial maintenance specialists.
The two-year AFSI Industrial Maintenance Technician program, officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, will allow students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience through on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced AFSI mentors. Simultaneously, students will complete coursework through Parkland College's Industrial Technology curriculum.
Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will be awarded a Machinery Maintenance certificate from Parkland College and a nationally recognized journeyworker certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, according to Parkland College President Pamela Lau.
"This new program prepares students for in-demand, hands-on learning that can build a solid foundation of career skills leading to strong employment," Lau said. "Parkland College is committed to meeting local workforce demand by connecting students with employers who offer earn-and-learn opportunities."
In partnership with the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor, Parkland College continues its dedication to grow and develop new apprenticeship opportunities within District 505. Currently, Parkland College offers six apprenticeship programs and works with fifteen registered employers.
AFSI, a company established in 1986 as a joint venture between Caterpillar, Inc. and Donaldson Company, Inc., leads the industry in manufacturing liquid filters through state-of-the-art, automated, computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) techniques. AFSI produces approximately 1 million filters each month and has locations in Champaign, Illinois, and the Czech Republic.
Businesses in District 505 that wish to explore opportunities available within the apprenticeship program may contact Aimee Densmore, program manager, workforce partnerships, at adensmore@parkland.edu. For more information about AFSI careers, please visit afsifilters.com/careers.