National Apprenticeship week 2024 is underway and Michigan Works! joined forces with local employers to celebrate apprentices that have made a lasting impact in their industry.
This nationwide celebration provides Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren the opportunity to highlight how Registered Apprenticeship Programs can help address some of our nation’s most pressing workforce challenges. To celebrate this nationwide event, Michigan Works! went in search of apprentices that have been dedicated to their area of focus.
The six selected individuals for the 2024 Celebrate an Apprentice Awards are:
- Jacob Ashcraft, a third-year Machine Builder apprentice at Edgewater Automation in Buchanan
- Thomas Ashmead, a second-year Mold Maker apprentice at Hanson International in St. Joseph
- Carols Hernandez, a second-year Machinist apprentice at Max³, LLC in Benton Harbor
- Ryan McCuddy, a first-year Machinist apprentice at Grotnes in Niles
- Dany Pardo, a second-year Electric Assembly apprentice at Convergix Automation in Shoreham
- Jordan Williams, a third-year Machine Builder apprentice at Edgewater Automation in Buchanan
“We are proud to celebrate these apprentices who are an example of what it looks like to put all of their hard work and knowledge to the test. These individuals are being celebrated and applauded for turning their apprenticeship into a long-term sustainable career in southwest Michigan, and we’re happy to see them succeed,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren.
The criteria for a strong award candidate:
- Must be a current or alumni apprentice of a registered USDOL apprenticeship. Proof is required.
- Must work or live in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County.
- Must be willing to submit a statement and a picture.
Awardees were selected by a panel of experienced workforce development professionals who specialize in registered apprenticeships. The six selected individuals were awarded a certificate of recognition and will be featured in Michigan Works! national apprenticeship week publications.
For more information about the 2024 awardees, click here.
