Ivy Tech Kokomo to focus on apprenticeships in open forum

‘Apprenticeship Accelerator’ program is part of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23. Area employers and educators are encouraged to attend to learn more about the value of apprenticeships.

Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo is inviting area employers and educators to a program that will focus on the value of apprenticeships and the ways the model is being expanded into new career fields.
 
The “Apprenticeship Accelerator,” scheduled as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024 (Nov. 17-23), is set for 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 in Hingst Hall on the Ivy Tech Kokomo campus. 
 
The goal of the event is to expand people’s understanding of apprenticeships beyond the traditional skilled trades like electricians, pipefitters and bricklayers, according to Dr. Nicholas Capozzoli, executive director of operations and apprenticeships for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area.
 
“The apprenticeship model, offering practical hands-on training in a job field along with classroom education, has been expanded,” he said. “Today, apprenticeships are being offered in career fields from education to social work to information technology and beyond – really any industry where you have an employee who needs another set of skills.”
 
Ty Robey, project navigator for Ivy Tech's Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program under the U.S. Department of Labor, will speak on the role of his department in assisting businesses with registering for apprenticeships and meeting the requirements of the program. A panel of leaders representing different sectors in the apprenticeship model will talk about their experiences and answer questions.
 
Panelists include David Gray from the Indiana Department of Labor; Christy Whitney, human resources manager for Integrity EDM; Jason Graves from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development; and Glen Roberson, assistant vice president for the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science at Ivy Tech Community College.
 
“The accelerator is an opportunity for business leaders, educators, labor representatives, workforce partners and leaders of other community and governmental organizations to learn more about what an apprenticeship is, how apprenticeships work, and how they can benefit employers and employees,” Capozzoli said.
 
For more information, contact Mariola Hernandez (mhernandez35@ivytech.edu, 574-398-6097) or register at https://rb.gy/db83ft.