DANVILLE, Va. – Danville Community College (DCC) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) are continuing to build on their workforce development partnership with the signing of Jorge Mendoza as the second JTI apprentice through DCC’s Knight’s Apprenticeship Program.
Mendoza joins the program following the January 2026 signing of JTI’s first apprentice, Cody Phelps, and the establishment of JTI as a registered apprenticeship site through DCC. The growing partnership provides employees with an opportunity to combine classroom instruction at DCC with paid, hands-on training at JTI, creating a direct pathway for career advancement while helping meet the company’s need for highly skilled technical employees.
“Welcoming Jorge as JTI’s second apprentice is an exciting sign of the momentum this partnership is building,” said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, President of Danville Community College. “Each apprenticeship represents an individual gaining new skills and new opportunities, but it also represents something larger: DCC and our industry partners working together to strengthen the workforce and create sustainable career pathways right here in our region.”
Through the apprenticeship, Mendoza will receive technical education and on-the-job training designed to develop the mechanical and electrical skills needed to support JTI’s leaf processing and manufacturing operations.
“Jorge’s signing demonstrates exactly what we hoped to accomplish through our partnership with JTI,” said Jessica Dalton, Vice President of Workforce Services at DCC. “Registered apprenticeships allow employers to develop talent around their specific workforce needs while giving apprentices the opportunity to earn, learn, and advance at the same time. We are thrilled to see this program continue to grow.”
DCC’s Knight’s Apprenticeship Program works with regional employers to establish registered apprenticeship opportunities that combine academic instruction with structured, paid workplace training. The program is designed to create stronger talent pipelines for employers while providing participants with accessible pathways to industry-recognized skills, credentials, and long-term careers.
"Our partnership with Danville Community College reflects a shared commitment to developing local talent and preparing people for the careers of tomorrow," said Corey Santoriello, Corporate Affairs & Communications Manager for JTI. "Registered Apprenticeships connect classroom learning with meaningful, hands-on experience, helping participants build the technical skills and workplace knowledge needed to succeed. By working together, we are creating stronger pathways into skilled careers while building a capable, sustainable workforce for JTI Leaf Services and the Danville region".
Mendoza becomes the latest apprentice to join DCC’s expanding network of employer partnerships as the College continues its commitment to workforce-driven education and regional economic development.
For more information about DCC’s Knight’s Apprenticeship Program, visit danville.edu/knightsapprenticeship.
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