A new team of apprentices welcomed to North American Lighting.
From left to right: Robert Woolum-NAL Corporate Trainer, Tyson Kelly, Chad Morris, Cody Myles, Sidney Little, and Christopher Hart
PARIS, IL. September 6, 2018 –North American Lighting, Inc. (NAL) held a signing day ceremony on Tuesday, September 4th to recognize five new apprentices enrolled in the NAL Technical Apprenticeship program sponsored by the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT).
First-year apprentice Chad Morris signs his offer letter and puts on his smock for the first time.
ICATT Apprenticeship Program Manager, Andreas Lorenz, joined NAL in celebrating the new apprentices at the signing ceremony. With the addition of the 2018 apprenticeship team, Lorenz dubbed NAL as ICATT’s largest apprenticeship program with nine total apprentices.
NAL’s first group of apprentices, now in their third year of the program, were also present to show their support of the new apprentices and congratulate them on their career decision. Other guests included Paris Mayor Craig Smith, Terry Elston and Bob Abernathy of ECCEL, President of PEDCO Bob Colvin, family members of the apprentices, college apprenticeship liaisons, and high school technical teachers.
(L-R): Christopher Hart, Tyson Kelly, and Sidney Little sign their NAL Technical Apprenticeship offer letters.
Tuesday’s Apprentice Signing Day was NAL’s first time to publicly distinguish the apprentices as they took an often overlooked step towards their future careers. Company officials say they look forward to making this public acknowledgment a tradition as new students declare apprenticeships with the largest automotive lighting manufacturer in North America.
“We feel our support of programs such as this are imperative to the future success of NAL,” stated Chad Thompson, Corporate Human Resources General Manager. “High Schools and colleges need our support just like for athletic programs to insure they are providing competitive programs to support students in the job market.”
The ICATT sponsored NAL Technical Apprenticeship is a 5-year program that helps students kick-start their careers without college debt. The program is designed to prepare young people for highly skilled positions that are offered locally and train the next generation of NAL technicians including molding, coating, and assembly technicians.
“Apprentices are vital to communities who are trying to retain local talent and give students the opportunities to earn a degree while earning a competitive wage,” noted Amanda Martin, Corporate Human Resources Assistant General Manager.
Third-year apprentice Devin Martin shares about his apprenticeship experience.
“I truly appreciate the opportunity that NAL has given me,” said third-year apprentice, Devin Martin. “Since the program covers education expenses, I have not had the stress of student loans and can focus on my studies both in the classroom and on the job.”
Apprentices have the unique opportunity to earn and learn simultaneously by working three days a week for a competitive hourly wage and attending classes at partnered colleges two days a week to complete their associate’s degree in Industrial Technology.
“After graduating from Paris High School, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” said Sidney Little, a first-year apprentice from Paris, IL. “After learning of this program and talking with my father, I knew this was the right direction for me.”
Three of the first-year apprentices will work at NAL’s Paris facility while obtaining their associate’s degree from Ivy Tech in Terre Haute, IN. The fourth apprentice will work at the Flora, IL facility while going to school at Olney Central College and the fifth will work at the Salem, IL facility and go to school at Rend Lake College. Third-year apprentices are now entering their final year of schooling. After earning their associate’s degree, apprentices will be guaranteed two years of employment with NAL.
About North American Lighting, Inc.
North American Lighting, Inc., member of the Koito Group of Companies, is the largest automotive lighting manufacturer in North America and has been manufacturing since 1983. NAL is a pioneer in vehicular lighting from LEDs to adaptive driving beams, and is now pursuing the latest technology in autonomous driving. NAL’s nine facilities in North America combined with the global network of Koito Group Companies, uniquely positions the company to meet increasing global demands for safe, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and intelligent automotive lighting systems.
About Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training
Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) is the leading apprenticeship program in the Midwest for high-tech manufacturers and companies with complex technologies or logistics. It is the only program fully benchmarked on the German Dual Education System – an approach recognized globally for its combination of company-specific knowledge, theory, and hands-on learning – resulting in highly-trained employees that position companies to embrace technical advances, keep pace with market demands, and harness growth opportunities. For more information, visit www.icattapprenticeships.com.
Contact: Kayla Lindsay, Corporate Human Resources: 217-465-6600 Ext. 7429
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