The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) Awards. The ExTRA Awards recognize companies, organizations and individuals contributing to successful apprenticeship programs across Southern Virginia.
“The ExTRA Awards highlight the dedication of our partners and apprentices in advancing workforce skills and building strong career pathways. It’s inspiring to see how these programs are transforming our region by providing real opportunities for growth and success.” – Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR
The awards honor champions of the Registered Apprenticeship model, from sponsoring organizations to innovative programs and remarkable individual apprentices.
These awards were announced during a Nov. 25 event at IALR to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. Event highlights included an address from Virginia Works Chief Deputy Commissioner Angela Kelly-Wiecek, a panel discussion about successful apprenticeship programs and the announcement of awards.
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IALR is approved by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works) as a state apprenticeship intermediary. Through ExTRA, IALR provides employers across the 15 localities in GO Virginia Region 3 with technical assistance, stakeholder education, grant funding, and access to an apprenticeship consortium.
Since its inception in 2022, the ExTRA program has supported the creation of 31 new apprenticeship programs and the registration of 82 new apprentices. The U.S. Department of Labor recently recognized IALR’s efforts, naming IALR an apprenticeship ambassador for its impactful work with the ExTRA program.
2024 ExTRA Award Winners
Model Sponsor Award: Danville Life Saving Crew
Innovative Apprenticeship Program Award:
- Kegerreis Digital Marketing
- Franklin County Department of Public Safety
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Apprenticeship Champion Award: Spitzer Inc.
Excellence in Employee Development Award:
- Reynolds Consumer Products: Presto
- Owens-Illinois
Outstanding Apprenticeship Partnership Award: Huber Engineered Woods
Recognizing Extraordinary Apprentices
IALR proudly recognizes five extraordinary apprentices who have showcased dedication, skill and potential in their fields. These apprentices embody the spirit of the ExTRA program, demonstrating how Registered Apprenticeship opens doors for growth.
- Aaron Bowen, Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, Reynolds Consumer Products: Presto
- Amanda Wiles Dishman, EMT Apprentice, Danville Life Saving Crew
- Jacob Oakes, Electrician Apprentice, Spitzer Inc.
- Caleb Shelton, Plumber Apprentice, Southside Mechanical Services
- Corey Woods, Plumber Apprentice, Southside Mechanical Services
 Aaron Bowen, Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, Reynolds Consumer Products: Presto |
 Amanda Wiles Dishman, EMT Apprentice, Danville Life Saving Crew |
 Jacob Oakes, Electrician Apprentice, Spitzer Inc. |
 Caleb Shelton, Plumber Apprentice, Southside Mechanical Services |
 Corey Woods, Plumber Apprentice, Southside Mechanical Services |
The ExTRA Awards reflect IALR’s commitment to apprenticeship opportunities that address workforce needs and drive economic transformation across Southern Virginia. As a regional catalyst, IALR supports Registered Apprenticeship as a strategic approach to building talent and transforming lives. ExTRA is part of IALR’s Advanced Learning division’s focus on creating pipelines of dependable talent.
For more information about the ExTRA program, please visit the website.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg, along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
