Hudson County Community College and Eastern Millwork, Inc. Welcome Incoming Apprentices at Signing Ceremony

August 14, 2025

August 14, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – Six years ago, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) was approached by Eastern Millwork, Inc. (EMI) for help in addressing a critical challenge. An industry leader in customized, high-end, automated architectural woodwork manufacturing and installation, EMI needed an apprenticeship program to develop a pipeline of engineers with technical expertise and creativity. Traditional bachelor’s degree graduates were not job-ready, and hiring mechanical engineering majors proved costly and inefficient.

The College responded with an out-of-the box solution that became a national model: Rethink the traditional education method and structure a program to immerse students in major-specific, hands-on learning from the beginning. The resulting Holz Technik Registered Apprenticeship Program exemplifies successful workforce development partnerships, one that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has described as “the blueprint for New Jersey’s economic future.”

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and Eastern Millwork, Inc. (EMI)

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and Eastern Millwork, Inc. (EMI) recently held a signing ceremony to welcome (seated left to right) Hannah Garcia, Gianna Ranero, and Noah Pacheco as the newest members of the Holz Technik Registered Apprenticeship program. Also present (from left) were Eastern Millwork, Inc. (EMI) Project Manager Regi Mulla, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Dr. Burl Yearwood, EMI Chief Operating Officer Heiko Sieling, HCCC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin, HCCC Apprenticeship Coordinator Albert Williams, HCCC Assistant Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Anita Belle, and EMI Engineer Gary Peluso.

Every year, high school students who possess an aptitude for technology, a talent for making things, and who are willing to commit to this intensive, earn-while-you-learn dual education program are invited to apply to participate in the program. Apprentices are hired upon graduating from high school, receive on-the-job training and a salary with full benefits, earn two debt-free college degrees, and have salaries of $70,000 with full benefits upon completion of the five-year program.

Recently, Hannah Garcia of Memorial High School, Noah Pacheco of High School of Art and Design, and Gianna Ranero of County Prep High School celebrated their commitment to the Holz Technik Registered Apprenticeship Program at a signing ceremony held at Eastern Millwork’s corporate offices. The students will begin their journey dividing their time between EMI and the College. HCCC Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Dr. Burl Yearwood, EMI Chief Operating Officer Heiko Sieling, HCCC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin, and EMI Project Manager Regi Mulla were among those who congratulated the new apprentices.

“We welcome the newest Holz Technik apprentices and wish them success as they embark on this unique opportunity,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “The program helps fill a workforce void, fuels the regional economy, and creates opportunities for young people with exceptional aptitude to earn a tuition-free college education and jumpstart a well-paying career.”

Holz Technik apprentices earn a $31,500 starting salary with full benefits, and receive incremental annual raises throughout the five-year program. At the end of their five-year term, students receive an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Advanced Manufacturing from HCCC, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Technical Studies from Thomas Edison State University. Upon program completion, apprentices earn up to $70,000 at EMI and continue there with long-lasting careers and family-sustaining wages.

The Holz Technik Registered Apprenticeship Program aligns with the College’s focus on developing strong relationships with area businesses and unions that benefit students, businesses, and the community. To date, EMI has hired 11 apprentices: Four have earned their A.A.S. degrees, three have completed their B.S. degrees, and two are expected to graduate with their A.A.S. at the end of this academic year.

“Hudson County Community College and Eastern Millwork Create a Transformative Apprenticeship Program” is a case study in Business-Higher Education Forum’s Innovators at Work series detailed here: https://www.bhef.com/case-study/hudson-county-community-college-eastern-millwork. The series showcases partnerships successfully employing best practices, proven strategies, and impactful collaborations to address talent challenges and equip learners with workforce skills for the future.

Click here for more information about the Holz Technik Registered Apprenticeship Program.