The History of The Apprentice Academy

Over the years, machine shop owners and metalworking professionals came to the conclusion that Michiana was lacking qualified workers with the right skills and work ethics necessary for continued growth.  Companies were lacking in technical training resources, training avenues for both incumbent and future employees and the ability to attract potential employees to the metalworking industry due to lack of programs to foster awareness. 

2007 was when Steven Hartz (President of Value Tool & Engineering Inc.), Suzanne Wheeler representing Vincennes University Business & Industry, WorkOne of Northern Indiana, and Bender Plastics recognized an opportunity to train employees for jobs in industrial fields.

An initial meeting in June of 2007 brought together industry professionals, educators, politicians, business owners and community leaders.  Their ideas and desire to see the kind of training available to workers which would be the most beneficial to everyone involved brought about the inception of The Apprentice Academy. 

The Academy started with a focus on three distinct areas:

  1. Career Awareness, Exploration and Development
  2. Career & Technical Training and Development
  3. Incumbent Worker Training and Development

The first classes started in the Fall of 2007 and were limited to Shop Math for Industry, Blueprint Reading and Dimensioning & Tolerancing for incumbent workers.  The number of classes have since expanded greatly, with 28 different programs now available, including IT and Medical programs as well as machining, welding, and maintenance.
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The Apprentice Academy is a 501(c)3 Not For Profit Company.