Parkland College partnering with Rick Ridings Auto Group to jumpstart automotive careers

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Good news for Parkland College students interested in joining the automotive workforce.

Parkland College shared that it has partnered with Rick Ridings Automotive Group of Monticello to launch a new apprenticeship program, providing new opportunities for students in the Automotive Technology and Ford ASSET programs.

Students will be trained in one of two automotive programs, developing a range of skills that lead to an associate's degree in applied science and a USDOL journeyworker certificate.

Additionally, students will receive training from technicians working at Ridings dealerships.

Parkland shared that students will attend full-time training and work part-time for the first two years of the apprenticeship, before moving to full-time work at Rick Ridings Ford or Rick Ridings Buick.

Rick Ridings Automotive Group will receive Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Incumbent Worker Training funding, included in the partnership, to help with the cost of training apprentices.

Those interested in applying for the apprenticeship can go online.

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