Triton College Launches PEPA Academy

Pre-Employment and Pre-Apprenticeship Program Helps Students Become More Marketable

RIVER GROVE, Ill. – Triton College is excited to announce its free Pre-Employment, Pre-Apprenticeship (PEPA) Academy Program, designed for students interested in the manufacturing and healthcare fields. This program aims to enhance students’ marketability and equip them with valuable skills before entering the workforce.

“The PEPA Academy helps students develop their professionalism by focusing on essential employability skills, resume building and interview preparation,” said Dr. Bianca Sola-Perkins, dean of Triton College Continuing Education. “Along the way, they will also earn industry-recognized credentials which can put them at an advantage during the hiring process.”  

According to Katie Rullo, associate dean of Continuing Education, the PEPA Academy follows Triton’s vocational training model but places a strong emphasis on making participants more competitive in the hiring process.

“Students will have a focused set of skills, making them more marketable to employers,” said Rullo.

The PEPA Academy can also be the beginning of something greater for students, noted Dr. Sola-Perkins. It can be a steppingstone for students considering a credit program or noncredit certificate program or pursuing a future associate or bachelor’s degree.

The 60-hour PEPA Academy is divided into two tracks: manufacturing and healthcare. There will be two student cohorts per track, according to Dr. Sola-Perkins.

Students in the healthcare track earn certifications in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA 10), enforced by the Department of Labor.

Students in the manufacturing track complete OSHA 10 training and gain hands-on experience in forklift operations. Students will have the opportunity to earn the Forklift Operator Certification, a new and unique offering at Triton.

“Many manufacturing companies and retail stores require their employees to operate a forklift,” said Dr. Sola-Perkins, adding that “while businesses often provide in-house training, our students will have an advantage during the hiring process because they have already received the desired training, helping to significantly reduce the learning curve and increase productivity.”

The PEPA Academy is free for students, paid for by the Illinois Community College Board’s Noncredit Workforce Training Initiative grant.

“There are so many professional and academic opportunities for students within this program,” said Dr. Sola-Perkins, who encourages prospective students to apply early.

For more information, contact Laura Fisher at laurafisher@triton.edu or (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3768 or contact Continuing Education at askce@triton.edu or visit www.triton.edu/ce.

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Media Contacts:

Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3692

Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3202

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu.