Rauner touts ICC apprenticeship program, talks budget impasse
By Alex Rusciano
Rauner touts ICC apprenticeship program, talks budget impasse
By Alex RuscianoIllinois Central College is highlighting a first-in-the-nation- safe software program during National Apprenticeship Week.
The program offers students 41 credits of computer science classes and 3,000 of work experience with area employers. Governor Bruce Rauner appeared at ICC Monday to highlight the apprentice programs.
He also touched on the budget gridlock as universities and community colleges enter their fifth month with zero state funding:
“I know you’re scrambling here at Illinois Central and most schools because we don’t have a budget. I apologize, it’s outrageous. We should have a budget. We should have had it done months ago.”
ICC’s Associate of Applied Science degree is a federally-approved curriculum that offers training in safe software and computer science courses. Julie Howar is Dean of Business Hospitality and Information Systems at ICC. She says the apprenticeships allow students to get significant hands-on experience, that boosts their value to employers.
“They’re going to be working directly with the employer, and we’re going to swap back and forth, but they’re gaining 3,000 hours of work experience along with their education.”
There are currently 12 ICC students participating in the secure-software apprenticeship program. ICC is also holding several other events this week to highlight the need for apprenticeship program for minorities, women and veterans.