Discover the benefits of the Project Hire-Ed Apprenticeship Program

WHAT IS THE PROJECT HIRE-ED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM?
Project Hire-Ed launched in 2018 with the intent to build a bridge between workforce needs and education to help employers find the right talent for their organizations and to teach students the skills employers are seeking. The program is the result of a partnership between the Addison Workforce Development Committee (which was started by Village of Addison Mayor Richard Veenstra) and College of DuPage (COD).

COD worked with business leaders for 18 months to better understand what employers are looking for in skills gaps of some recent graduates and current workforce needs. Project Hire-Ed’s curriculum was formed based on employer needs and incorporates the Illinois Community College Board’s Illinois Essential Employability Skills Framework.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ENROLLING IN PROJECT HIRE-ED?
In this model, Addison employers pay apprentices full-time employment wages and pay for their tuition to attend COD to develop job skills through work-based learning. Participants are provided with on-the-job training and a COD certificate in applied technology, which is stackable, and industry credentials.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Project Hire-Ed is a four-year program – two years to complete the coursework and two more years working with the employer.

Students in Project Hire-Ed must complete:

  • A seminar that introduces program options, career pathways, career readiness skills, development services and participating employers

  • Four courses that focus on foundational skills: Industrial Safety, Customer Service, Technical Writing and Microsoft Office software

  • Six technical skills classes, depending on the specific job track (tracks include Manufacturing Machining, Welding, Manufacturing CNC, Industrial Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, HVACR Service and Electro-Mechanical/Mechatronics)

WHO CAN ENROLL IN PROJECT HIRE-ED?
Project Hire-Ed is open to individuals 18 years old and older who are current COD students, career changers, veterans, unemployed, under-employed, recent high school or GED graduates or current high school students. There’s even an opportunity for high school students to earn dual-credit through the program. High-schoolers can take the seminar class, as well as two technical courses, to get started before they graduate.

HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT HIRE-ED?