IVCC apprenticeship graduates honored

OGLESBY — At a recent NECA-IBEW Local 176 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee graduation in Joliet, 11 students were honored as apprenticeship graduates and for earning their Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in electrical construction technology from Illinois Valley Community College.

“It was a great event and another opportunity to showcase the strength of our partnership with NECA-IBEW,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran.

Graduates include Robert Beuck of Joliet, Bryan Czemske of Wilmington, Jacob Fjelde of Gardner, Austin Fregeau of Manteno, Craig Jensen of Gardner, Michael Johnson of Dwight, Martin Kief IV of Plainfield, Michael Mautino of Spring Valley, Anthony Sinning of Ottawa, Alexander Szepelak of Joliet and Kristin Wilk of Standard.

“The Illinois goal we often refer to as ‘60 by ’25,’ means we want 60 percent of high school graduates earning postsecondary degrees by 2025. These 10 gentlemen and Kristin have already done that and are well ahead of the curve,” he added.

Corcoran said the individuals most responsible for building the partnership are IBEW’s Louis Piskur, former IVCC administrators John Allen and Sue Isermann, and current IVCC Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Bonnie Campbell.

Corcoran also noted IVCC’s partnerships with universities like Northern Illinois allow students with the AAS, formerly a “terminal degree,” the opportunity to work toward a bachelor’s degree.

“Apprenticeship enrollments are robust again; we see great things ahead.”