BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- National Apprenticeship Week is being celebrated around the country from Nov. 17 to 23, and Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren is celebrating by honoring six local apprentices with the 2024 Celebrate an Apprentice Award.

Officials say by joining forces with local employers they can celebrate apprentices that have made a lasting impact in their industry.

The special week gives Michigan Works! the opportunity to highlight Registered Apprenticeship Programs that can help address modern workforce challenges.

The six local apprentices being recognized include:

• Jacob Ashcraft - a third-year Machine Builder apprentice at Edgewater Automation in Buchanan
• Thomas Ashmead - a second-year Mold Maker apprentice at Hanson International in St. Joseph
• Carlos Hernandez - a second-year Machinist apprentice at Max³, LLC in Benton Harbor
• Ryan McCuddy - a first-year Machinist apprentice at Grotnes in Niles
• Dany Pardo - a second-year Electric Assembly apprentice at Convergix Automation in Shoreham
• Jordan Williams - a third-year Machine Builder apprentice at Edgewater Automation in Buchanan

“We are proud to celebrate these apprentices who are an example of what it looks like to put all of their hard work and knowledge to the test. These individuals are being celebrated and applauded for turning their apprenticeship into a long-term sustainable career in Southwest Michigan, and we’re happy to see them succeed,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren.

The six apprentices were chosen by a panel of workforce development professionals who specialize in registered apprenticeships.

The awardees were each given a certificate of recognition and will be featured in Michigan Works! national apprenticeship week publications.

You can learn more about the 2024 awardees here and learn more about National Apprenticeship Week here.