What started as an apprenticeship with RTC Communications, designed to show a young person what a career could look like with a rural fiber internet provider in the Indiana Uplands, soon grew into a lasting relationship. Bringing with him a sincere curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn, Ryder Craig, an UpSkill … Continue reading From UpSkill apprentice to essential employee: Ryder Craig celebrated
Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) was announced today as one of 12 regional organizations to serve as liaisons for student and school participation in the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP), a new pathway to prepare Hoosiers for in-demand careers and help Indiana businesses find and train employees. ROI is grateful to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation … Continue reading ROI selected to serve as Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) Connector
Yesterday, ROI proudly celebrated a powerful milestone with the fourth cohort of its UpSkill Work & Learn program. Fifty-three high school students took a bold step toward their futures, committing to paid apprenticeships that blend hands-on experience, college coursework, and industry-recognized credentials.
April 30 marks National Apprenticeship Day 2025, a nationwide celebration of the role apprenticeships play in preparing workers for successful careers through real-world experiences.
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Owen Snyder
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 17-23), Regional Opportunity Initiatives is thrilled to highlight the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, offering valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Sophie McDuffee
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path … Continue reading UpSkill: Where Are They Now? Ethan Scott
Last week, ROI hosted an orientation and signing day experience for students and employers participating in the third cohort of the UpSkill Work and Learn Youth Apprenticeship program. With the stroke of a pen, 31 new students officially embarked on their journey into the modern youth apprenticeship experience. UpSkill provides selected high school students with … Continue reading ROI celebrates third UpSkill cohort with signing day
This is Brayden Hudson’s second year as an UpSkill apprentice. He works for SAIC, a military defense contractor in Bedford. Hudson He said he wanted to apply for an apprenticeship with UpSkill because he wanted to open up more career opportunities for himself. The best part about UpSkill has been the “invaluable experience” Hudson has … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Brayden Hudson
During his initial year as an apprentice at Indiana Safety and Supply, Amorenio Martinez has already gleaned valuable insights and lessons. Martinez “I learned the process of what a company does to run a business, and I am learning the importance of finding a balance in life,” said the Washington High School junior. “It provided … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Amorenio Martinez
Ask Owen Snyder the highlight of his academic career so far and his answer is straightforward: His UpSkill apprenticeship at German American Bank. “Being an UpSkill apprentice has taught me more than I ever could have imagined,” said the Edgewood High School senior. Snyder works at German American Bank. Not only has it taught Snyder … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Owen Snyder
Edgewood High School senior Bryden Dausch applied for an UpSkill apprenticeship because he knew it would help him get a head-start when he began job searching after graduating. “Even if I didn't get placed somewhere I liked, it would be great for resume building,” he said. Dausch Luckily, Dausch loves where he enjoys working for … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Bryden Dausch
Bedford North Lawrence High School junior Maddison Simmerman finds the greatest joy in her UpSkill apprenticeship from the supportive individuals who champion her success. Simmerman Simmerman, intrigued by engineering, gets hands-on experience at PRD Inc. in Springville, known for its plastic injection molding service. During her time with PRD, Simmerman has made “several contributions” to … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Profile: Maddison Simmerman
In honor of the first-ever Youth Apprenticeship Week (May 5-11), Regional Opportunity Initiatives is recognizing five students in our UpSkill Work and Learn modern youth apprenticeship program. UpSkill is a two- to three-year work and learn experience that provides selected high school students with a paid job, career credentials, and college courses. Students work for … Continue reading Youth Apprenticeship Week Highlights: UpSkill apprentices
With plenty of opportunities for young people to attend college, earn certificates, or enter the workforce after receiving a high school diploma, students are considering what their pathway will look like after they graduate. Not all students will end up at a traditional four-year college, some will choose to pursue a certification or go straight … Continue reading School counselor helps students prep for post-secondary success
