As manufacturers continue to battle the growing skills gap, local educators and manufacturers have joined to address the problem and make a difference. Whiteside Area Career Center (WACC) and Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) have joined with 10 manufacturing businesses to develop the the Multicraft Extended Internship Program (MEIP).

Although the program is open to any individual, students who take Welding & Manufacturing Technology at WACC will have a jumpstart on the curriculum.

The MEIP provides an outstanding opportunity for select students to obtain valuable work experience, and get paid, while earning their two year applied associates degree in the Multicraft Technology Program at SVCC. Numerous local industries have partnered with SVCC to offer part-time positions for students so they can apply what they are learning in the classroom to the job site. Compensation packages will vary with details to be worked out before employment.

A typical arrangement would have the student work at a local industry Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and attend SVCC, on a full-time academic schedule, on Tuesday and Thursday. However, schedules may vary depending on industry and student need.
To learn more about the MEIP please click here: SVCC Multicraft Extended Internship Program