11 GISH Students Sign for Registered Apprenticeships in the Technical Sciences

GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — The positive impact of Career & Technical Education (CTE) through community partnerships was at the forefront at the Grand Island Senior High Career Pathways Institute on Tuesday.  Juniors in the GISH Academy of Technical Sciences signed-on for Registered Apprenticeships at local businesses marking the ninth year of the flagship CTE-based program.

The 2025 crew of 11 GISH Registered Apprenticeship signees will gain on-site, work-based experience as welders, automotive techs, and manufacturing techs.  Seeing the program thrive for nine years, Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, affirms the pride it brings for students, Senior High, and Grand Island Public Schools.  

“The Apprenticeship program creates the opportunity for our students to work with and learn from industry professionals in a real life job setting.” Fisher said, “This type of learning cannot be simulated in a classroom.  We are incredibly grateful for our business partners who make these opportunities happen for our students.”

Nebraska Registered Apprenticeships (per the Nebraska Department of Labor) combines supervised on-the-job training with technical classroom instruction in subjects related to the apprentice’s chosen occupation. Apprentices have the opportunity to earn a living while gaining skills, and pay raises are awarded throughout the program as skills increase. Apprenticeships have been proven to be a very successful strategy for preparing skilled workers to help America compete effectively in the global economy.

Launched in 2017, Grand Island Senior High became the first high school in the state of Nebraska to offer paid apprenticeships for students in CTE programs.  Nine years since launching, over 65 Grand Island Senior High students have completed the Registered Apprenticeship opportunity with Grand Island.

The annual signing ceremony at the Career Pathways Institute welcomed the newly signed-on student apprentices alongside their families.  Representatives from each apprentice hosting business were onsite as well to welcome the students as one of their own team members.  Also taking in the festivities were local leaders, the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, and other community partners.  

Reflecting on the apprenticeship program, D.W. Holley, GISH Academy of Technical Sciences Principal, affirmed the impact of work-based learning experiences for students. 

“Signing Day is a culmination of months of hard work that our students, teachers,and business partners have put into training, applying, and interviewing students for a jumpstart into their careers.” Holley said, “By signing with their respective business partners, they are committing to learning from them.  Our business partners are committing to providing our students a real world experience.  Hopefully for both, this first step can grow into a long term relationship between an employee and employer.” 

Through deep connections with community partners and a focus on work-based learning opportunities, the apprenticeship program has become a cornerstone of the Academy model for Grand Island Senior High.  Looking to the future, GISH remains committed to the growing Registered Apprenticeship program as a Nebraska leader Career & Technical Education for students.

Congratulations to the GISH Academy of Technical Sciences students who signed registered apprenticeships:

Chief Buildings:
Amilcar Escobar - Manufacturing Technician
Endy Mora Andrade - Welding

Chief Fabrication:
Erik Hernandez Rodriguez - Welding 

Overhead Door:
Nelson Mendoza Hernandez - Manufacturing Technician

Dramco:
Ramiro Lucas - Manufacturing Technician

Anderson Ford:
Xander Braden - Automotive Technician
Kal Matthiessen - Automotive Technician
Brayan Lindo Quixan - Automotive Technician

Anderson CDJR:
Orlando Rodriguez - Automotive Technician
Joseph Lopez Gutierrez - Automotive Technician

Woodhouse:
Drew Alvidrez - Automotive Technician