INA, Ill. (July 26, 2023) — Rend Lake College welcomes fifteen new Continental Tire Apprentices on Ina’s campus.
CT Apprentices and RLC Staff pose for a photo. FROM LEFT are; Jackson A. Mills (Fairfield, IL), Gabe Bishop (Mt. Vernon, IL), Ben Hill (West Frankfort, IL), Jaiden Provart (DuQuoin, IL), Aaron Koenig (Mt. Vernon, IL), Avery Grimes (Benton, IL), Gavin Ingram (McLeansboro, IL), Brier Eck (McLeansboro, IL), and RLC Coordinator of Apprenticeships & Industry Training Brody Wilson.
Continental Tire has been offering an apprenticeship program in coordination with Rend Lake College since 2015. Tonya Odum, the Director of Apprenticeships, Community, & Corporate Education at RLC said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with area industry to offer apprenticeship opportunities because it aligns with our mission of fostering workforce development and preparing students for successful careers. […] We are looking forward to starting the Fall 2023 Apprenticeship cohort with Continental Tire!”
The practice of the Dual Education System offered is based off the German Apprenticeship model that CT was founded in; this model has gained global recognition for its successful combination of practical work placements, theory, and hands-on application with academic training. Continental Tire believes that these apprenticeships are not only beneficial for the company, but also sets up new employees for success.
Brody Wilson had nothing but positive things to say, “This Fall, fifteen new Rend Lake College students will embark on the apprenticeship program at Continental Tire. As newly enrolled apprentices, they can look forward to a well-structured and supportive hands-on learning experience, complementing their on-campus studies and focusing on developing essential skills and knowledge in the Industrial Electronics and Maintenance field. […] Within Continental Tire’s collaborative and supportive atmosphere, teamwork and knowledge sharing are encouraged, giving apprentices the chance to collaborate with experiences professionals in real-world scenarios.”
Interested in starting an apprenticeship? Click the link below to learn more.
Rend Lake College is a sponsor for twenty approved programs through the Department of Labor. Rend Lake College is a lead in workforce development strategies and programs meeting area workforce needs.