Parkland College and Cache Energy have partnered to launch a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for industrial manufacturing technicians, creating a talent pipeline to support advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy technologies.
The competency-based, one-year apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job learning at Cache Energy with technical training at Parkland, including coursework in blueprint reading, industrial control devices, electronic systems repair, welding, and industrial safety. Apprentices will develop skills in equipment operation and maintenance, quality systems, technical documentation, and continuous improvement while earning progressively higher wages as they demonstrate competency.
Founded in Champaign, Cache Energy is transforming how energy is stored by converting electricity into thermal heat through the breaking and reforming of chemical bonds in a low-cost, limestone-based solid material. The company's technology provides long-duration energy storage, delivers high-temperature industrial heat up to 1,000°F, and retains stored energy for months at room temperature without energy loss.
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"Visionary companies don't wait for workforce challenges to become barriers – they invest in developing talent for tomorrow's needs," said Aimee Densmore, Director of Apprenticeships at Parkland College. "Cache Energy's commitment to apprenticeship reflects that kind of forward thinking, and we hope it inspires other employers to see workforce development as a strategic investment rather than simply a hiring strategy. We're grateful to Cache Energy and the RPC for showing how employers, education, and workforce partners can invest in the region’s future together."
This apprenticeship was developed through a partnership among Cache Energy, Parkland College, and the Business Services team at the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (RPC), demonstrating how regional collaboration can help employers develop the skilled workforce needed to bring emerging technologies to market.
"Achieving American energy dominance requires more than breakthrough technology – it requires the skilled workforce to build, scale, and deploy it," said Arpit Dwivedi, founder and CEO of Cache Energy. "At Cache Energy, we're committed to strengthening domestic manufacturing and developing the talent needed to bring next-generation energy storage to market. This apprenticeship is an investment in both our people and our nation's energy future, and we're proud to partner with Parkland College and the Champaign County RPC to help build that foundation."
To learn more about Registered Apprenticeship opportunities through Parkland College, contact the Office of Apprenticeships at 217/351-2447 or visit parkland.edu/apprenticeships.
