CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Parkland College has just announced a game-changing initiative: the first US Department of Labor (USDOL)-registered apprenticeship program for mechanical line technicians, in collaboration with Kraft Heinz, one of the global giants in the food and beverage industry.

A One-Year Apprenticeship Program with Real-World Impact

This innovative one-year apprenticeship program is designed to bolster recruitment efforts for the line technician role at Kraft Heinz production facilities. The program is a blend of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, supervised by seasoned Kraft Heinz mentors, and Parkland College’s Industrial Mechanics competency-based curriculum. Upon completion, participants will earn a nationally recognized journey worker certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Learning While Earning

While working at the Champaign, Illinois, Kraft Heinz facility, apprentices will also be enrolled in self-paced, instructor-supervised classes at Parkland College. This dual approach not only enhances knowledge retention but also speeds up the overall training process. And the best part? All coursework takes place during paid working hours.

“Parkland College is thrilled to expand our registered apprenticeships to include Kraft Heinz,” said President Pamela Lau. “This new program places us at the forefront of partnership initiatives that prepare our students for in-demand, hands-on career training. It also continues to build a robust pipeline of entry-level employees equipped with job-ready skills and experiences in today’s high-tech industries.”

Support from Jobs for the Future

Additional backing for this career training program comes from Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the U.S. education and workforce systems for equitable economic advancement. JFF played a crucial role in connecting Parkland and Kraft Heinz leadership and provided expertise during the program’s development. Myriam Sullivan, interim vice president of the Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning at JFF, expressed her enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration.

“This first-in-the-nation program is a prime example of how apprenticeships can provide effective solutions,” Sullivan said. “We are happy to support this work that not only addresses pressing workforce challenges but also offers opportunities for workers.”

Local Support and Economic Impact

The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) is also backing the Kraft Heinz apprenticeships at Parkland with state workforce funding through the East Central Illinois Workforce Board (ECIWB). Justin Arnold, executive director of the ECIWB and director of workforce development at CCRPC, highlighted the economic benefits for the community.

“Expanding apprenticeships in our region is a goal of CCRPC,” Arnold said. “It is exciting to support employers and leverage public-private partnerships to transform opportunities for workers and industry.”

A Commitment to Excellence

“Our Champaign facility is one of the largest volume-producing plants for Kraft Heinz in North America, making high-quality, iconic products that are beloved by so many,” said Bill George, Champaign Plant Manager at Kraft Heinz. “One of our company values is ‘We champion great people,’ and partnerships like this one with Parkland College provide unique opportunities for career growth and development for our team, as we continue on our journey to lead the future of food.”

How to Apply

Individuals interested in applying for the apprenticeship program can learn more at parkland.edu/apprenticeship.

Opportunities for Businesses

Businesses in District 505 interested in exploring apprenticeship program partnerships can contact Aimee Densmore, program manager of workforce partnerships, at adensmore@parkland.edu.

About Parkland College

Parkland College is a fully accredited public community college serving the needs of District 505, Illinois’ third-largest community college district. Offering over 130 degree and certificate options for career placement or academic transfer, Parkland’s programs align with today’s careers and the employment needs of the area. The college features the latest technologies in fields such as computers, agriculture, automotive, healthcare, and media. Agreements with state public and private four-year institutions ensure transferable credits, while partnerships with area businesses provide students with hands-on, real-world experience. The mission of Parkland College is to engage the community in learning.