Apprenticeship Programs

Transcript

Let’s head over to meet Cassie. She’s in the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program, where not only is she learning sought-after skills she’s an apprentice at a local company, getting paid while learning. She’s gonna give us a peek inside Harper’s classes where the small class sizes means she’s able to connect with her professors and fellow students. Cassie, tell us more.

– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I loved to build and take apart things to explore how they worked. Because of this, I knew I wanted to be in manufacturing, was unsure exactly how. After graduating high school in 2019 I started with the Kendall Engineering Program but discovered this is not exactly what I wanted. I knew I wanted a program with hands-on experience along with leading to a successful career path. So I searched for a more hands-on program and found the CNC Precision Machining Apprenticeship at Harper. In this program, you get hired by a company that pays for all your school costs in addition to paying you a wage. You go to school for eight weeks and spend the rest of the time focusing on honing your skills in the field through the job and hands-on learning in Harper’s Manufacturing labs. When I started this program I was hired by and currently work for Crafts Technology a Hyperion materials and technologies company. I am able to earn money and apply what I learned in the classroom to the real world. Small class sizes at Harper allow students ample one-on-one time with their teachers. This allows them to get to know me and support me in the classroom along within my academic career. Harper has also offered me a lot of opportunities to get outta my comfort zone and represent the apprenticeship program along with my company. For example, I met with US Senator, Dick Durbin, where I got to talk about the value of the CNC Precision Machining Apprenticeship program and my hands-on experience at Crafts Technology. I know Harper’s apprenticeship program will continue to give me opportunities so that when I graduate I’ll have a job lined up along with a relevant degree. Well, that’s it from me. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Cassie! How cool is it that you are able to find the perfect fit through Harper’s apprenticeship program and have a foot in the door for your job after graduation? It’s so amazing how much you’re able to learn while earning a paycheck. What a very cool opportunity. Thanks for sharing your story.