Casey Kohlrieser, a 1996 graduate of Wapakoneta
and Apollo's Computer Assisted Drafting program, CAD,
credits Apollo with helping her make one of the most important decisions
in her life. "Because of Apollo I have the basic training I need to
go on in this field and feel confident about myself and my career
choice." As a computer technician for Home Supply, Hume, Kohlrieser's
day consist of drawing floor plans, elevations and section views for
pre-engineered metal buildings, electrical schematics, heating, ventilation
and air conditioning. She is also attending ITT Tech, Dayton, to get
an associate's degree in architectural engineering. "Apollo is a great
place to go to help you decide whether your career choice is right
for you."
Jason Busick, a 1996 graduate of Columbus Grove High School and Apollo's Precision Machining Program is enrolled in the apprenticeship program at GROB Systems, Inc. He has received additional training in math, physics and drafting. Busick credits Apollo with teaching him the skills he needed to enter the workforce and be successful. "Because of Apollo I have gained knowledge about different equipment and tools, and I am confident on the job."
Lori Baker, a graduate of Elida High School and Apollo Career Center's Secretarial program, has worked for Captain D's of Ohio, Inc. dba Captain D's Seafood for six and a half years. Her current position is assistant office manager of 12 Captain D's franchises located in Ohio and Kentucky, her responsibilities include, payroll for 300 employees, accounts payable, reconciling daily receipts from the 12 franchises which includes sales, voids, sales tax and deposits. She is also responsible for creating brochures and handouts, as well as insurance, profit sharing and 401K. Baker credit Apollo with helping her accomplish many of the dreams she had about her career choice and also giving her the skills and opportunity to work for Captain D's. Baker is attending Lima Technical College majoring in Office Management. She will graduate in June of 1998.
Brian Koenig, Elida, a 1996 graduate of Apollo's Precision Machining program, is beginning his second year in the Tool and Die apprenticeship program at Grob Systems, Bluffton. His job responsibilities include lathe/mill operation and set-up and parts inspection. Upon completion of the 4-year apprenticeship program, Koenig will be certified by the state of Ohio as a Tool and Die Journeyman. "There is a lot of knowledge and hands on ability that the teachers at Apollo share with the students. Apollo helped me attain employment in a field that is hard to get an interview in without respectable training."
Chris Snyder, a 1990 graduate of Bluffton and Apollo's Auto Diesel Program, is one of five field supervising foremen at Country Excavating. His responsibilities include job costing, materials and job layout. "My training at Apollo gave me skills in equipment maintenance which eventually led to my job as foreman. I would recommend Apollo to anyone because it trains you in so many different areas of work, readies you for the challenges you will face after graduation and it is a great opportunity to get experience in any field you choose." Chris lives with his wife Cassie and their son in Bluffton.
Jason Grace, a 1996 graduate of Shawnee High School and Apollo's Electricity program, has worked for Sparta Electric for a year and a half. His job responsibilities include, conduit bending, running pipe and all other areas related to commercial, residential and industrial electricity. "Apollo gave me an idea about what the electric field was like. Apollo gives you a better chance to get into a skilled trades area." Grace is enrolled in Apollo's Adult Electrical Apprenticeship program.
Matt Leiendecker is employed at GROB Systems, Inc. and is an Apollo Auto Body Repair graduate. "My education in the Auto Body program at Apollo gave me an advantage over other high school students because I had a skill in a certain area. Instead of having to look for a job, I had employers offering me jobs. I just basically had to take my pick!"
Michael Mitchell, a 1981 graduate of Elida High School and Apollo's Electricity program, is now Vice President of Electric Technology Services, Inc. Since graduation, Mitchell has received certificates in Leviton Data-Fiber Optics, Management, Microsoft and Excel, and is responsible for the operation of three offices and staff. He oversees and assists with sales, custom designs and builds projects and performs customer service. Mitchell is very confident in the training he received at Apollo. "Apollo helped me focus on good work ethics, team work and a great trade which led me into managing a two million dollar telecommunications/electrical company." He would encourage anyone to attend Apollo because "it would be your best career move to help guide and prepare you for your best investment - yourself!"
Julie Eustler, a 1980 graduate of Spencerville and Apollo Career Center's Graphic Communications program has been in the printing business for 14 years and is a supervisor for Brandon Screen Printing, Lima. Eustler is responsible for training new employees and oversees press operation, as well as trouble shooting. "Apollo helped me decide on a career and I graduated job ready in my field. Apollo is a good place to start whether you have already decided on a career, or are still figuring it out."
Jamie Harrison has worked for Lazarus for two yeas and "loves her job." A 1997 graduate of Allen East and Apollo's Marketing Management co-op program, Harrison has received two promotions with the company. Initially she started as a hostess in the Lazarus restaurant, became sales associate in the Juniors Department and is currently a Staff Specialist, responsible for mannequins, displays, signage for sales and wallscaping. Harrison said of her education at Apollo, "I am more responsible and know the importance of being on time and having good attendance. If someone is thinking about going to Apollo - GO FOR IT."
Shannon Wheeler, Elida, a 1987 graduate of Apollo Career Center's Cosmetology promoted to manager of Regis Hairstylists in the Lima Mall. Wheeler has been with Regis for 6 years where her responsibilities include: ordering stock, scheduling, customer relations, promotions and training. Wheeler attributes her success to her instructor who helped find her confidence and self esteem, and to the training and knowledge she received at Apollo. "Apollo is a great place to get a jump start to a fulfilling career. I love my job!"