National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is November 13-19! NAW is an opportunity to highlight how apprenticeship programs, a proven and industry-driven training model, pave the way to rewarding careers. At Ruan, we engage young learners in three unique apprenticeship programs. We are thankful for Ruan’s apprentices and look forward to all they’ll do in their careers.
Technology Apprenticeship Program
Our technology-based apprenticeship program was launched in 2017. In fact, Ruan’s Technology Apprenticeship Program was the first registered technology-based apprenticeship program in the state of Iowa! We provide the opportunity for selected apprentices to gain valuable work experience, earn income, and continue their post-high school education. The program targets students taking cyber security courses, who enjoy technology, and are looking for an alternative to a four-year college or university. Here’s an overview of the program:
- Three-year competency-based program with progressive increase in pay and responsibility.
- Apprentices work in many areas within our technology team, including service desk, cybersecurity, development, network, hardware, and technology operations.
- Flat organization structure allows our apprentices direct access to strategic decision makers and executives.
- Up to 20 hours per week, targeting weekdays during the school year.
- Up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
“The apprenticeship program provided valuable experience working in the IT and corporate landscape that will apply into all my future endeavors. Working closely with people on the job provided much-needed knowledge on what I might want to pursue in life, with my career path shifting more than twice during my time at Ruan,” said Technology Apprentice Ashton Clubine.
Technician Apprenticeship Program
Ruan initiated our Technician Apprenticeship Program in 2019, and we are always looking for motivated individuals that are interested in jump starting their career! We provide the opportunity for apprentices to gain valuable work experience and learn about the fast paced and exciting transportation industry, all while being mentored by an experienced technician throughout the program.
Here's a quick look at our Technician Apprenticeship Program:
- Three-year competency-based program with progressive increase in pay and responsibility.
- Apprentices work directly with a technician mentor and learn what it takes to maintain Class 8 equipment to Ruan's stringent standards.
- Apprentices complete the same dealer level factory training that a Ruan technician go through.
- Utilize a Ruan provided professional technician tool set to use while learning new skills.
- Full time opportunity with 40+ hours per week.
- Once the apprenticeship program is completed, the apprentice will be set up for a successful career as a Ruan Technician II.
Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program
The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program is a provision from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish a three-year apprenticeship pilot program allowing drivers between the ages of 18-20 to operate in interstate commerce. The goal is to provide the tools and experience to help young drivers explore interstate trucking careers right after high school while also helping to alleviate the industry’s driver shortage by allowing trucking companies to hire and train new drivers through an apprenticeship program.
Ruan joined the ATA Registered Apprenticeship Program in late 2022 and, in June of 2023, announced the approval of two experienced drivers to be trainers as part in the SDAP program.
If you are interested in learning more about Ruan’s apprenticeship programs, contact us today!