TERRE HAUTE, IN – On August 13, Ivy Tech Community College and Saturn Petcare came together to celebrate the beginning of three employees’ educational journeys at an apprenticeship signing ceremony held at Ivy Tech Terre Haute.
Three talented employees from Saturn Petcare—Darrian, Eduardo, and Elizabeth—will embark on their path to earning an Industrial Technology degree from Ivy Tech this fall. These apprentices, selected by Saturn Petcare for their exceptional hard work and potential, will benefit from a tuition-free education made possible through a partnership between Ivy Tech and Saturn Petcare.
“The Industrial Technology program aligns with CTE classes offered at local high schools to provide an easy transition from high school to apprenticeship,” said Marcus Otto, Saturn Petcare’s maintenance manager. “The program offers a combination of hands-on experience and classroom instruction while getting paid. At the end of the program the students have an associate degree at no cost to them and a full-time job in a technical field that is in high demand.”
The program underscores the potential of industry and education to collaborate, creating valuable opportunities for workforce development and community growth. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the local economy by providing skilled professionals to meet industry demands.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Saturn Petcare to offer this incredible apprenticeship program," said Molly Joseph, Ivy Tech’s assistant dean of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences. "Through our Industrial Technology program, students gain industry-relevant skills that prepare them for successful careers.”
The Industrial Technology program at Ivy Tech teaches students the prerequisite technical skills including critical thinking and soft skills preparing them for a variety of technical challenges in their careers. The program is designed to strengthen their ability to troubleshoot and resolve electrical problems effectively.
This partnership is a result of an Achieve Your Degree (AYD) agreement between Ivy Tech and Saturn Petcare. Ivy Tech partners with nearly 300 employers statewide, to empower employees by providing access to higher education with minimal or zero upfront costs.
Through this program, employees of partner organizations can pursue an associate degree or certificate in a field of study approved by their employer. This innovative approach allows participants to attend classes and defer payment until after completion, utilizing their employer’s tuition reimbursement benefits. The AYD program not only enables companies to skill up their workforce but also offers employees the chance to gain new skills and earn a credential from Ivy Tech while maintaining full-time employment. To learn more about Ivy Tech’s Achieve Your Degree program visit ivytech.edu/ayd.
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About Saturn Petcare:
Saturn Petcare’s mission is to be the most trusted partner for its customers to help enhance the special relationship between people and their pets. It strives to gain trust through collaboration, respect and delivering consistent value at the highest quality.
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.
