On December 3, 2024, 12 smiling individuals walked up on stage to receive their certificates for completing the Google STAR (Skilled Trades and Readiness) program—the first cohort to graduate in Indiana.
The 2024 graduates are:
- Adrianne Brooks
- Angel Chimal
- Kyler Ely
- Eric Goods
- Hunter Lane
- Zachariah Miller
- Maksym Predoloba
- Nathan Richeal
- Andy Russell
- Quantrez Scott
- Paul Thompson
- Reed Wright
For four to five weeks, these individuals completed bootcamp-style, paid training near Google’s data centers with ongoing construction and expansion. Those who participated were able to network and get involved with local trade partners.
“I made a decision to move into the electric field to make a contribution to the world around us,” graduate Quantrez Scott says during his program reflection. “I knew I was stepping into a world of opportunity and challenges. What I didn’t fully anticipate was the immense pride I would feel along the way.”
Back in April 2024, Google announced it’s $2 billion investment in the Midwest with its data centers in Fort Wayne and its collaboration with Ivy Tech Fort Wayne to skill-up more entry level employees in the trades. The data centers play essential roles in supporting AI innovation and growing Google Cloud Business.
With the guidance of Ivy Tech instructor Bob Boxell and representatives from Holder Construction Aja Gower and Chelsea Conley, the graduates worked hard to learn these new skills.
During the graduation, Gower praised the group’s readiness to listen, learn, and the bonds formed throughout the program.
“I was so scared, first of all being a woman in the trade, and coming into it with absolutely no experience,” the cohort’s only female graduate, Adrianne Brooks, says. “Bob was the best instructor, funny, kept it lively. All of Ivy Tech took out time to completely welcome us and help us. Because of the STAR program and Ivy Tech, I’m now on with Hi-Tech working on residential and immediately able to jump right in.”
The graduates are each working with one of the sponsor companies either at the Google Data Center site or on local community projects. Those companies include DeWALT, the Superior Group, Shambaugh and Sons, L.P., Hi-Tech, the International Brotherhood of Construction Workers, and Service Electric.
“What I’m most proud of is the confidence this program has given me,” graduate Hunter Lane reflects. “Each of us came here with different levels of experience, and yet, we’ve all grown into capable professionals ready to take on the responsibilities in our field.”
The STAR program prepares individuals for careers in trades such as construction, carpentry, mechanical, electrical, and fiber-optics. It focuses on increasing diversity in the construction workforce by focusing on underrepresented communities.
“I have experience working in construction, but it’s another country and another set of rules, and this program was really nice,” says graduate Maksym Predoloba who came to Fort Wayne from Ukraine. “The team of Ivy Tech helps a lot, asking what we needed and where we needed help. It made a really big difference.”
To learn more about Google’s impact in Indiana, visit the state’s impact report.
*All photos were taken and provided by Google
What I’m most proud of is the confidence this program has given me. Each of us came here with different levels of experience, and yet, we’ve all grown into capable professionals ready to take on the responsibilities in our field.
– Hunter Lane | Google STAR Graduate
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
