2 minute read
Career Transition through Advanced Training
During peak COVID-19 Will Decker saw opportunity. After a job loss in 2020, Will returned to Northeast Iowa Community College to develop his skills in the two-year Industrial Maintenance program. While enrolled at NICC, he developed a fresh outlook and new perspective.
“I returned to the College because I wanted to keep learning,” said Will, who also graduated from the Welding program in 2018.
Now his persistence and resilience are paying off. Two months after he graduated, Will applied for the John Deere Maintenance Apprenticeship along with 78 other Deere employees – all vying for the same maintenance mechanic and tool and die maker positions – and he scored the highest test, interview and qualifications scores of all the applicants. As a result, he earned second-year apprentice status for his knowledge and skills.
“I thank Northeast Iowa Community College and the flexibility and guidance of faculty. Without their support, being accepted into the Deere apprenticeship would not have been possible,” Will said.
Other students have restarted their careers by completing short-term training programs through NICC Business and Community Solutions. Crystal Dixon worked in construction since she was 21 years old and wanted to earn credentials to begin a new career in Dubuque. She completed the Dual Construction Career Pathway Certificate program and continued in the Cabinet Making & Casework program.
Crystal Dixon, Building Construction and Construction Equipment Operator, '22; Intro to Cabinet and Casework, '22
“These certificate programs gave me a second chance to get my construction career back up and running. I knew my potential, I just needed help getting back on track. I can finally build a better, stable life for myself and accomplish a lot more. It really makes me happy to be doing something I love,” Crystal said.
Check Out Career Pathway Certificate Options
www.nicc.edu/cpc
