NORFOLK, Neb.—Continental is taking the work it does every day and turning it into a learning opportunity for the next generation of professionals.
The company's ContiTech plant in Norfolk, Neb., is partnering with the Norfolk Public Schools to establish an apprenticeship program, the first of its kind in the community. The program, receiving support from the. U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Nebraska, will provide more than 1,200 high school students with hands-on learning opportunities.
Junior and senior students at Norfolk High School are eligible for the program, provided they maintain a grade point average at or above 2.5 and are taking part in the auto body or metal careers courses offered at the school.
"In general, our plant will expose the students to a typical manufacturing environment including the use of machinery, control panel utilization, parameter changes to specs and process monitoring," Rob McClenaghan, Norfolk plant human resource manager, said in a statement. "This will include a variety of tasks related to production, but all will be monitored by Continental employees and follow strict plant safety and environmental policies."
Students in the apprenticeship program will receive payment for work they do and will be able to earn credit hours that can help them in their pursuit of a college degree.
In a news release, Continental noted that it is committed to programs that help foster the next generation of professionals by encouraging young adults and students "to develop their abilities in the best possible way, and to make optimal use of their skills."
Globally, Continental said it is providing apprenticeship opportunities and bachelor's degree programs to more than 2,100 individuals.