PARIS, Il (July 18, 2019) – North American Lighting, Inc. (NAL) held its second annual apprentice signing ceremony to recognize three new apprentices enrolled in the NAL Technical Apprenticeship program, sponsored by the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT).

The ceremony was dedicated to publicly celebrating the students’ momentous step in their future career. One by one each apprentice excitedly signed their official offer letter and put on an NAL ball cap declaring their commitment to the ICATT sponsored NAL Technical Apprenticeship. Supporting onlookers included NAL company officials, university and ICATT representatives, and students’ family members.

Kaitlyn Inman of Clinton, IN signed her offer letter after stating that she chose the apprentice route because she is good with her hands, likes industry technology, and wants to be a part of the future of technology.

Kyle Fillinger of Paris, IL began working at NAL his senior year of high school through a Co-Op class and signed today as an NAL apprentice. “I’ve seen firsthand how coordinated and organized the program is, and I think it is a great way to provide for my family, said Mr. Fillinger.

Logan Comstock of Paris, IL came to NAL after his previous employer closed their doors, but luckily another door opened for him at NAL. “I was looking for bigger and better opportunities after Kroger closed down,” said Mr. Comstock. “This apprenticeship gives someone like me with no experience the opportunity to learn, build, and grow with a wonderful program.”

The new apprentices will work at NAL’s Paris manufacturing facility while obtaining their associate degree in Industrial Technology from Ivy Tech Community College in Terre Haute. The newly signed apprentices will begin the program in mid-August. 

Joshua Seeberg, ICATT Apprenticeship Program Manager, joined NAL in celebrating the new apprentices at the signing ceremony. Mr. Seeberg encouraged the students in their next endeavor by noting that they will earn a recognizable US credential, associate degree, and an impressive resume at the end of it all.

“Many CEO’s in Germany began as an apprentice with the company and learned the company from the inside out doing hands on work,” said Mr. Seeberg. “This apprenticeship gives you leverage to learn, grow, and move up at NAL.”

“NAL is committed to be an Employer of Choice in our communities,” stated Chad Thompson, Corporate Human Resources General Manager. “Our long-term success depends on a strong apprenticeship program as well as the local internships and scholarships we support.” He added, “Many companies are struggling to fill the skills gap with emerging manufacturing technologies. We have to partner with local schools and colleges to educate students on their career options and opportunities.”

Second year apprentice, Cody Myles from the Paris facility was also present to show his support of the new apprentices and congratulate them on their career decision. “When I first heard about the apprenticeship, I thought it was too good to be true,” said Cody Myles. “It didn’t seem real that a company would put you through school and allow you to work for an hourly wage at the same time. This has been a life changing decision for me and has helped me build many new skills and add on to those I already had.”

The ICATT sponsored NAL Technical Apprenticeship is a five-year program that helps students kick-start their careers without college debt. The program is designed to prepare young people for highly skilled positions that are offered locally and train the next generation of NAL technicians including molding, coating, and assembly technicians.

Apprentices have the unique opportunity to earn and learn simultaneously by working three days a week for a competitive wage and attending classes at partnered colleges two days a week to complete their associate degree in Industrial Technology.

About North American Lighting, Inc.
North American Lighting, Inc., member of the Koito Group of Companies, is the largest automotive lighting manufacturer in North America and has been manufacturing since 1983. NAL is a pioneer in vehicular lighting from LEDs to adaptive driving beams and is now pursuing the latest technology in autonomous driving. NAL’s nine facilities in North America combined with the global network of Koito Group Companies, uniquely positions the company to meet increasing global demands for safe, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and intelligent automotive lighting systems. For more information, visit www.nal.com.

About Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training
Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) is the leading apprenticeship program in the Midwest for high-tech manufacturers and companies with complex technologies or logistics. It is the only program fully benchmarked on the German Dual Education System – an approach recognized globally for its combination of company-specific knowledge, theory, and hands-on learning – resulting in highly-trained employees that position companies to embrace technical advances, keep pace with market demands, and harness growth opportunities. For more information, visit www.icattapprenticeships.com

Contact:  Kayla Lindsay, Corporate Branding Specialist:  217-465-6600 

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