Seniors from Elgin and Streamwood high schools’ automotive programs joined Altorfer CAT on March 24 to tour the East Dundee facility to learn more about the ThinkBig program. This apprenticeship program combines work and school benefiting students with paid work time in Altorfer’s facilities while also earning their associates degree. Students begin by enrolling in the program in applied science at Illinois Central College attending eight weeks of classes followed by an eight-week, paid internship experience starting at $18.50 per hour.
At the completion of the associate degree program, students selected for full-time employment receive a 50% reimbursement of tuition costs and after three years of employment, they receive the remaining 50% reimbursement. Graduates receiving job offers from Altorfer can expect their hourly rate to increase substantially to over $30 per hour upon completion of the ThinkBIG program.
The Alignment Collaborative for Education, Northern Kane County Region 110, and School District U-46 greatly appreciate the Altorfer team and the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) making this experience possible for these students as they prepare to graduate in May.
ACE is a member of the Alignment USA communities of collaboration and collective impact.
