Five employees of Dick Anderson Construction were recognized for the completion of a state apprenticeship earlier this week, according to a press release from Great Falls College-MSU.
On Wednesday the five employees, Jacob Cole Morse, Buddy Lervold, Nate Nelson, Jack Mueller and Tony Gavaghan were the first to complete the apprenticeship program. Currently, there are total of 32 employees in the apprenticeship program across the state.
“With retirements and low unemployment rates, we knew it would be important to train our own employees. Great Falls College MSU was willing to work with us to create a program that fit our needs,” said Annie Chase, Human Resources Director at Dick Anderson Construction.
In 2018, the customized training program became a state recognized apprenticeship program. The five who completed the first state apprenticeship requirements were part of the original training.
“At first, DAC wasn’t sure about making the customized training an apprenticeship program, but once we realized the benefits of a state apprenticeship, it was an easy decision to make,” Chase said.
The apprenticeship included over 144 hours of related instruction, over 2,000 hours of on-the-job training for the participants.
“This program has provided me with new skills and the fact that Dick Anderson invested in me has made a difference in my life,” said Cole Morse, Dick Anderson Construction employee and state apprentice.
For more information on customized training and apprenticeship opportunities offered through Great Falls College MSU, contact the Center for Lifelong Learning at 406-268-3734.
