Testimonials

This experience allowed me to make a real-world impact in my community and provided a basis for the problem-solving process I will have to go through as an engineer in my future career.

We got to solve a real-world business problem, and it felt cool because we were doing something that meant something in school. And we found the root of the problem like we were supposed to. We contributed a lot of new knowledge and ideas.

When they made their presentation, my biggest regret was that I didn’t bring my management team with me. It was a great professional presentation with some strong data.

They did a good job thinking outside of the box. That’s what impressed me the most, was the fresh eyes and fresh perspective from which they looked at the problem. I would do this program again in a heartbeat.

“I want to be able to go to the next level and provide more care, and I wouldn’t have been able to get my paramedic without this program.”

[caption id="attachment_6353" align="alignnone" width="768"] With experience in law enforcement and EMS, Pendleton has held his EMT for about fifteen years in total. He was thrilled to hear about the paramedic apprenticeship program that would allow him to continue earning as he went.[/caption]

“This paid on-the-job training is a great way for me to absorb this information and get more hands-on instruction. I’m glad to be able to come in all day and focus on this, get a better experience and more ride time. All while getting a paycheck.”

[caption id="attachment_6350" align="alignnone" width="898"] Lily Hensley started as an EMT Apprentice with the Danville Life Saving Crew in the spring of 2024. Working as an apprentice allows her to learn and earn on the job.[/caption]

We have two interns, and we would absolutely hire them. They have been fantastic overall—polite, motivated and hard workers.

Overall, this internship has been a great experience for the Chamber and for our intern. We look forward to hosting interns again in the future.

The EmPOWER framework has been instrumental in connecting Sovah Health with our local students to showcase the breadth of healthcare career opportunities available right here in our community.

 

Being able to participate in the Career ChoICE, AspHIRE Mock Interview Day, and Summer Internships through the IALR has been an invaluable addition to the work of PATHS and the South Central AHEC. These programs keep us coming back, as they have allowed us to connect with, inspire, and support students throughout Southern Virginia as they explore their journey in healthcare.

This EMT apprenticeship program will benefit the participants by providing mandatory training for an EMT position. Adding a cohort of new EMTs like this enables the Danville Life Saving Crew to grow its team and provide qualified emergency medical personnel for our community. Working with Tori and the Institute has been easy and successful, and we are very pleased that our program is the first registered EMT apprenticeship program in Virginia.

[caption id="attachment_5642" align="alignnone" width="1024"] In partnership with IALR, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during an October ceremony.[/caption]

We believe that apprenticeship programs like this are essential to our future success. We understand that by investing in the next generation of talent, we are not only shaping our own success but fostering a culture of learning and development. Our apprenticeship programs are not just a part of our company; they are a living embodiment of our Core Values.

[caption id="attachment_5654" align="alignnone" width="1024"] IALR hosted a ceremonial signing event for Litehouse Foods' first industrial maintenance technician on Oct. 6.
From left to right: Natori Neal, IALR Apprenticeship Coordinator; Kara Joyce, DOLI Apprenticeship Consultant; Neville Moe, Litehouse Foods Plant Manager; Joseph Echols, Litehouse Apprentice; Craig Mauldin, Maintenance Engineering Manager; Michelle Shorter, Human Resources Generalist II.[/caption]

I can’t speak highly enough of all the help we have received from IALR in getting our apprenticeship program started. It’s been wonderful. When you as an employer invest back into your workforce, you see huge returns.

“Something that was beneficial for me was learning to ask questions at the end of my interview.”

"The trip to Asphire was both informative and fun. It helped me widen my horizon about the working field and opened my eyes to new possibilities."

The AspHIRE mock interview day provides valuable experience to high school students across Southern Virginia, exposing them to important workplace skills and allowing them to experience an authentic interview process.

IALR is the type of education facility that can transform a region.

Pittsylvania County Public Schools greatly appreciates the partnership established with the Advanced Learning Department of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. This department provides many STEM opportunities for teachers and students to extend learning and explore new areas.