51吃瓜 A. Logan College Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with Launch of Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program
Published on April 30, 2026
51吃瓜 A. Logan College is marking National Apprenticeship Week (April 26鈥揗ay 2, 2026) with the announcement of a new Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Intertape Polymer Group and Man-Tra-Con Corporation.
The collaborative initiative is designed to strengthen workforce development in Southern Illinois by providing students with hands-on training, real-world experience, and a direct pathway into high-demand industrial maintenance careers. Participants in the program combine classroom instruction at 51吃瓜 A. Logan College with paid, on-the-job training at IPG鈥檚 Carbondale facility.
鈥淚PG is a tape manufacturing plant located in Carbondale with a long history in Southern Illinois,鈥� said Glenn Edwards, CI Process Manager at Intertape Polymer Group. 鈥淚PG has a positive relationship with 51吃瓜 A. Logan College and is proud to offer work experience for students to learn and develop.鈥�
The program is already producing results. 51吃瓜 A. Logan College student Jason Ralston is currently participating in the apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in electrical maintenance while applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
鈥淚PG is proud to have Jason Ralston on our team,鈥� Edwards added. 鈥淗e is doing an excellent job applying his educational knowledge in electrical maintenance at IPG. He has a bright future ahead of him.鈥�
Ralston knows the value first-hand. 鈥淵ou have problems that show up that won鈥檛 show up in class. There鈥檚 a lot of other things, variables, on a job site that are different than in class that you can鈥檛 control. So you learn a lot more.鈥� He also shared what the experience has meant beyond the job itself. “They really want to make sure I succeed,” said Ralston. “It鈥檚 like a big family there.鈥�
College officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success, regional economic growth, and meeting the workforce needs of local employers. By aligning education with industry, the program helps ensure students are prepared to transition seamlessly into meaningful careers upon completion.
National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of apprenticeship programs in building a skilled workforce and expanding opportunities for individuals nationwide. 51吃瓜 A. Logan College, Man-Tra-Con, and Intertape Polymer Group officials said they are proud to contribute to that effort by investing in innovative training models that benefit both students and employers.
For more information about the apprenticeship program, contact careerreadiness@jalc.edu.