July 31, 2019
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Shawn Cox, Director of External Relations
859 468 1265
scox@ionapex.com
Ion/Apex Electric and NKU Start First Students Down Path Toward Degree
Ion/Apex Electric has begun the implementation of an innovative program which alleviates all college debt and allows its employees to further their education and career goals. This is being done without grants, loans, or tax payers, parents, employers, or anyone else, paying for the cost of transferring knowledge to the student.
On April 22nd of this year, Ion/Apex Electric and NKU signed a first of its kind agreement that recognized the completion of an apprenticeship program as being equivalent to college level work. CEO Jeff Kennedy of Ion/Apex and President Ashish Vaidya were joined by Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey to finalize this historic arrangement. NKU and Ion/Apex are working to address major issues in workforce development. Among those being elevating the standards expected to work in the skilled trades and providing a way to achieve skills and leverage those towards a college degree, with no student loan debt to the student.
Ion/Apex employee Mark McGuire is among the first of their employees to participate in the program. Prior to joining Ion/Apex McGuire worked at Sam’s and as a landscaper then St. Elizabeth. McGuire already has a degree in Exercise Science from Morehead State University but came to the skilled trades as an electrician because he likes the camaraderie, diverse projects, working as a team. When looking into the program McGuire commented about NKU, “I think it’s awesome and it will not have 12 years of debt assigned to it. It would be almost silly for me to not to take advantage it” McGuire added, “This will prepare me for after working in the field and lead to a larger role potentially as a project manager, senior foreman or other leadership roles. I also like the how NKU provides flexibility of CLEP courses and online options for working adults was a key component in whether I would be able to do it or not”. McGuire concluded, “I love that Ion/Apex puts such an emphasis on education and training and I do not have to worry about being buried under student debt to achieve my goals.”
CEO Jeff Kennedy when asked why his company is embracing this approach replied, “The college debt issue alone forces us to explore other approaches to distribute, obtain, and apply knowledge in a more efficient manner. Ion/Apex Electric and NKU have developed a method leaves the student with knowledge, career credentials and degrees, and with no student loan debt. “
By increasing efficiencies gained by learning and applying best practices will drive positive bottom line results. This will in turn pay for and provide for a return on the investment on the apprenticeship / higher education investment. To learn more about career opportunities or this innovative program at Ion/Apex, contact Shawn Cox at scox@ionapex.com
About Ion/Apex Electric: As one of Cincinnati’s and Northern Kentucky’s largest electrical contractors, Ion/Apex has been recognized by The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as one of the top thirty outstanding emerging companies in the area for three consecutive years. Completing a large number of diverse Commercial, Industrial, Aerial/ Bridge and Maintenance related projects nationwide, clients continue to make Ion/Apex Electric their contractor of choice to solve and complete their most challenging projects.
Through craftmanship, great suppliers, dedicated professional employees, creative financial solutions, intellect, and strong personal relationships, we revitalize the positive aspects and integrity to our business community, craft, and profession. Learn more at www.ionapex.com.
