JTI Becomes Registered Apprenticeship Site; Celebrates Apprentice Signing
Danville Community College (DCC) marked a major workforce development milestone Wednesday, January 14, with the signing of an agreement with Japan Tobacco International (JTI) through the College’s Knight’s Apprenticeship Program, officially establishing JTI as a registered apprenticeship site. The ceremony also celebrated the signing of JTI's first apprentice under the partnership, Cody Phelps.
Held on DCC’s campus, the signing ceremony brought together College leadership, JTI representatives, and Phelps to recognize the launch of the apprenticeship partnership, which combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on training aligned with industry needs.
“This partnership is a powerful example of how Danville Community College is bridging education and employment,” said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, President of Danville Community College. “Through our Knight’s Apprenticeship Program, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students to earn credentials, gain real-world experience, and step confidently into sustainable careers while meeting the workforce needs of our industry partners.”
DCC’s Knight’s Apprenticeship Program is designed to support both students and employers by providing a structured pathway that blends academic learning with on-the-job training, resulting in a highly skilled, job-ready workforce.
“This agreement represents the kind of intentional partnership that drives regional economic growth,” said Jessica Dalton, Vice President of Workforce Services at DCC. “By helping JTI become a registered apprenticeship site through the Knight’s Apprenticeship Program, we are strengthening talent pipelines and expanding opportunities for students to learn, earn, and advance.”
The program also reflects DCC’s continued focus on high-quality technical education and workforce alignment.
“Apprenticeships are an essential component of modern career and technical education,” said Melissa Mann, Dean of Career & Technical Education at DCC. “They allow students to apply what they are learning in the classroom directly in the workplace, while building confidence, professional skills, and long-term career momentum.”
For Phelps, becoming the first apprentice under the partnership was both an honor and an opportunity.
“I’m grateful for the chance to be part of this program and to further my career through an apprenticeship,” said Phelps. “This experience gives me hands-on training and a clear path forward, and I’m excited to grow with the support of both DCC and JTI.”
"As JTI continues its expansion in the region, apprenticeship program marks a significant milestone in our partnership with DCC and opens new pathways for talent development and career growth," said Corey Santoriello, Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager for JTI. "We believe the Industrial Maintenance program, with its focus on mechanical and electrical profiles of DCC, benefits the local workforce and aligns perfectly with the skill sets the company needs in our leaf processing & manufacturing operations."
The Knight’s Apprenticeship Program reflects Danville Community College’s mission to provide accessible, workforce-driven education that responds to the evolving needs of students, employers, and the regional economy. For more information about the program, visit: danville.edu/knightsapprenticeship
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