Cleveland State launches new Apprenticeship Program with Starplex Scientific

From Cleveland State: Cleveland State Community College recently launched a new Department of Labor (DOL) Mechatronics Technician apprenticeship program with Starplex Scientific Corporation in Cleveland. Two maintenance technicians at Starplex are the first apprentices in the program.

Over the three-year commitment, the students will have a minimum of 5760 hours of on-the-job learning at Starplex and complete a minimum of 585 hours of related academic credits at Cleveland State in the Advanced Technologies Department.

Veston Hetiback, Starplex maintenance technician and new apprentice, registered for the apprenticeship program to learn and build more competency for his job. When asked about taking classes at Cleveland State, he said, “It’s been nice; the college is not too big. Everyone is friendly, and we have great support from the staff.”

Starplex is a manufacturing facility specializing in leakproof sample collectors and premium quality pharmaceutical/nutraceutical bottles. The new registered apprenticeship program is designed to assist Starplex in growing their maintenance talent from within.

“Starplex, a proud brand of Pretium Packaging, is committed to the support and development of our employees,” said Lisa Meloan, Human Resources Manager. “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Cleveland State to create a customized apprenticeship program. This initiative not only empowers our employees to pursue personal and professional growth but also fosters a community that stands behind them—a privilege we value highly.”

This is Cleveland State’s fifth apprenticeship program sponsorship across four local employers. With the addition of these two new apprentices, there are a total of 18 apprentices across the five programs. Cleveland State’s Workforce Development Department serves as the official program sponsor which includes submission of registration paperwork, tracking/documentation of program hours, reporting to the DOL and more.

“I am excited to officially announce the new partnership between Starplex Scientific and Cleveland State,” said Heather Brown, Director of Workforce Development. “I appreciate the leadership at Starplex for reaching out to Cleveland State to assist with their training needs. Congratulations to Starplex and these two eager apprentices as they embark on this educational journey.”

For more information about registered apprenticeship programs, contact Cleveland State Director of Workforce Development, Heather Brown, hbrown@clevelandstatecc.edu or (423) 614-8793.
 
Pictured Above: Starplex Scientific apprentices, Justin Hill (left) and Veston Hetiback (right).