HCCTP-Graduation-Highlights-Determination-and-New-Beginnings.php

HCCTP Graduation Highlights Determination and New Beginnings

• Events
• 06/17/2025

On June 5, the Rock Valley College Performing Arts Room was filled with pride and celebration as 12 graduates were honored at the Spring 2025 Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) graduation ceremony.

 

A highlight of the event was the familiar voice that welcomed family, friends, staff, and industry guests—Dawson Ingram, HCCTP Program Manager, who proudly opened the ceremony each year with heartfelt introductions and unwavering support for the students.

"A stable support system, even if it's just one person, can make all the difference to those who are trying to reshape their lives and move forward on new ground," Dawson shared before inviting special guests to introduce themselves—beginning with Vonnie Busker, Manager of Continuing Education Workforce Development. Vonnie congratulated the students and reflected on their 14-week journey, noting, "You can't believe how quickly the time has gone by."

The HCCTP program is designed to meet the region's workforce needs in building, commercial, and highway construction and is offered cost-free to trainees. It aims to provide a path for individuals—especially first-generation trades workers—to gain the skills, certifications, and experience needed to enter local union apprenticeship programs and begin earning living wages and benefits.

"These graduates are now closer than ever to their goals and are equipped with more confidence and skill sets that are desirable to this industry," Ingram said.

This year's class marked a first in the program's history to graduate all 12 students who began the cohort. It's a powerful testament to the students and the strength of the program's support network.

The graduates shared moving presentations about their experiences, describing moments of self-discovery, perseverance, and the power of showing up each day with purpose. Stories included overcoming personal struggles, balancing parenthood with training, and finding a renewed sense of direction.

The 2025 HCCTP graduates include:

• Nicolas Contreras
• Carlos Escamilla
• Kathryn Flanders
• Skylar Gustafson
• Nickolas Ingram
• D’nijah Milan-Anderson
• Caven Morin
• Jennie Morris
• Greyson Motter
• Jessica Rodriguez Flores
• Jada Scott
• Delaney Wise

Each graduate now carries with them not only new skills and credentials but also the confidence to take the next step in their careers and lives. As they step into new opportunities, their journey is a testament to the impact of community-focused training and the power of believing in oneself.

Dawson Ingram the many community partners, industry leaders, and building trades organizations who help make HCCTP possible. “Their support ensures that students are trained and connected to real opportunities that lead to long-term career success.”

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program aims to help women, underrepresented, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals gain acceptance into the construction trades. During the 14-week class, participants complete 450 hours of skilled-trades preparation and apprenticeship readiness training with the goal of applying for and obtaining local union apprenticeship opportunities.

The program covers Math for the Trades, Life Skills, Job Readiness, Blueprint Reading, OSHA 10-hour, Welding, Equipment Operation, and Hands-On Projects. HCCTP is offered at no cost to participants and is fully funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.