Amerequip assists youth apprentices

The growing partnership between Amerequip Corporation and the Sheboygan County Youth Apprenticeship Program highlighted the Sheboygan County YA graduation ceremony held at Lakeshore Technical College on May 29.  The event drew nearly 125 people.

Amerequip President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Vander Zanden delivered remarks to the high school junior and senior students who seized the unique opportunity to work side by side with engineers, nursing staffs, welders, banking personnel, chefs, CNC operators and many other professionals and benefit from their knowledge and skills.

"We are so grateful for the Youth Apprenticeship program and will increase our commitment to the program next year, "Vander Zanden said.  "The program exposes students to many different skills and equips them with knowledge when they enter the workforce."  Amerequip completed their first year in partnership with Youth Apprenticeship by employing three students.  They work with these student employees as mentors and co-workers for up to two years to fully understand the position as well as the company's culture.  Most students, upon completing high school, will continue their education but many will continue working for these employers as their education allows.  Some are offered adult apprenticeships after completing high school because of the Youth Apprenticeship experience.  Amerequip  is currently interviewing local students who have applied for the Youth Apprenticeship Program for a total of five positions in their company for the upcoming 2013-'14 school year. 

The Sheboygan YA program has grown rapidly in the past few years, from 11 students in 2010-'11 to the current 32 students.  The program will swell to 65 students in the 2013-'14 school year.  Area businesses are acknowledging the need to recruit future employees to occupations that will be in demand in the near future.  The commitment from local high schools, LTC and area businesses will ensure that opportunities are available to students in the career fields which are most sought after by industries in the Sheboygan area.