Nutrien donates $100,000 toward pre-apprenticeship program

LIMA — As the workforce develops, organizations are filling in the gaps through the creation of new programs. Nutrien announced an investment of $100,000 and sponsorship of the new Trade-Up Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. The classes will be held through the Innovation HUB at the Central District in downtown Lima.

“This is a great moment for all of us, the Innovation Hub and the opportunities that will be available,” said Jed Metzger, Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce president. “For the people in this community who want to be involved in the trades and learn the opportunities of what being a tradesman is all about.”

A press conference was held Tuesday morning with the organization alongside the Apollo Career Center.

“Apollo is just one of the partners that supports the central district in the industry,” said Tara Shepherd, HUB chair. “We are opening it up to all local businesses and industry partners or anyone who would like to participate.”

Shepherd also said the Central District will begin to renovate space for the program. The classes will start in the fall but are not yet open for registration. It is a free program that will provide a pathway for a future apprenticeship.

“It is a pre-apprenticeship program for people going into a trade,” Shepherd said. “People will be able to come to the Innovation HUB and explore different things such as mechanical (or electrical) and have an introduction into the skilled trades.”

Shepherd also said the program will be an annual one for those who are interested in learning.

“We are super excited to be a part of this project,” Nutrien Special Project Coordinator Russ Decker said. “We have been working with the team for about a year and a half. We are excited to see this project get off the ground. We see a shortage of trade-skilled folks coming into the workforce. We are excited to reach the people we have not been able to train.”

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.