SPRINGFIELD – An apprenticeship at Ace Sign Co. of Springfield is leading to a career for Cole Thoron, a 2021 computer science graduate of Lincoln Land Community College.

The apprenticeship is the first of its kind to be established with a local business through LLCC’s Office of Work-Based Learning.

Thoron began his apprenticeship in April while still completing coursework at LLCC. Ace is providing on-the-job training to successfully onboard him into his new position.

“Every day is a new experience, and I feel I am developing, solidifying and furthering my skills,” says Thoron.

“We are thrilled to work with a widely respected company that has been a local presence in the Springfield area for over 80 years,” says Brenda Elliott, LLCC director of work-based learning. “Working with LLCC computer science faculty and our career services department, we collaborated with Ace to develop the right mixture of education and on-the-job training for Cole. It’s important to us to keep our students local and keep them loyal.”

"The LLCC Apprenticeship Program has provided Ace Sign Co. a great opportunity to connect with qualified talent like Cole,” said Todd Bringuet, CEO of Ace Sign Co. “The program aids in providing both the apprentice and our supervisors ample time to train and evaluate prospective team members. With Cole as an integral member of our Ace Sign Co. team, we look forward to our continued relationship with LLCC.”

LLCC is working to close the skills gap by establishing local partnerships within the business community. Elliott hopes to expand student apprenticeships, particularly in information technology. “Apprenticeships are not just for trade positions anymore,” she says.

Any business interested in partnering with LLCC on an apprenticeship program to enhance their workforce is invited to contact Elliott at brenda.elliott@llcc.edu or 217-786-2326.