At Bourn & Koch, we are constantly looking for ways to involve our efforts with local educational institutions. From high school events with RPS205 to college level career fairs for Rock Valley College (RVC), we look for ways we can inform students about the opportunities for careers in manufacturing.
We have partnered with RVC in many aspects, and that has recently been recognized by Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). Bourn & Koch and RVC have received ICCTA’s 2024 Business/Industry Partnership Award. This is such an honor as we have put a lot of time and effort into this partnership, along with RVC. We have the privilege of participating in industry partner advisory committee meetings, to provide input on knowledge gaps in our space. We are in our fifth year as members of the National Tooling & Machining Association, Rockford’s RRVTMA chapter. RRVTMA utilizes RVC for the college coursework portion of the apprenticeship.
Nick McKinney, who has been with Bourn & Koch for six years, joined the Mechatronics program three years ago, and recently graduated with his associates degree. Justin Spielman is a Machine Builder Apprentice in the RRVTMA program, and Jesus Valdivia is a Machinist Apprentice in the RRVTMA program, both studying at RVC. We also hired Machinist Brandon Allen, a graduate of the CNC cohort program. Todd Wells, VP of Operations, is also an RVC alumni. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from NIU, a degree obtained primarily through attendance at RVC through the NIU/RVC partnership after obtaining his associates and other certificates through RVC.
With the investments made, and the mutual desire to grow the industry, we have seen many benefits at Bourn & Koch. With employees enrolling at RVC, and hiring recent graduates from RVC, we have seen this positively contribute to our onboarding experience in the machine shop along with increased productivity. We hope that our involvement at the RVC events will also lead to more manufacturing career interest and positively impact enrollment at RVC. Thank you to ICCTA for the recognition with the 2024 Business/Industry Partnership Award, and RVC for being a valued partner.
