Elevate Conference

Cultivating Youth Apprenticeships in Nebraska - Forging Ahead in the "New Normal"

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Younes Conference Center North
707 Talmadge St.
Kearney, NE

Clicking on the Register Today button will take you away from the Southeast Community College website and to a secure third-party site for registration.

ELEVATE Registered Apprenticeship Dive into the world of Youth Apprenticeships alongside Nebraska's educators, employers and community leaders! Discover the potential of our state's workforce, where the fusion of education and industry promises enriching opportunities for our youth while fortifying a talented workforce for businesses. Engage with experts, exchange insights with peers and leave equipped with actionable steps to establish or enhance your own Youth Apprenticeship Program. Join us for tailored afternoon sessions, whether you're already running a program or eager to kick-start a new Youth Apprenticeship journey.

Early Bird Registration	Monday, Nov. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
7-8:30 a.m.	Registration \| Morning Refreshments \| Informal Networking \| Resource Tables
8:30-8:45 a.m.	Welcome – ELEVATE Directors
8:45-9:15 a.m.	Presenter – To Be Announced
9:15-9:45 a.m.	Where are we now? - A snapshot of Nebraska’s Current & Upcoming Workforce Mike Johnson – COO & Executive Vice-President, NE Chamber of Commerce
9:45-10:30 a.m.	Where are we going? - Blurring the lines between school and work with Youth Apprenticeships Dr. Jim Sutfin – NE Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska K-12 Education Consultant
10:30-10:45 a.m.	Break \| Resource Tables Open
10:45-11:30 a.m.	Success in the Midwest – Panelists representing successful Youth Apprenticeship programs in Nebraska will present their experiences, achievements, and insights gained throughout their journey.
11:30-11:40 a.m.	Afternoon Preview – Information, Ideas and Implementation! ELEVATE Directors
11:40 a.m.	Lunch is Served \| Resource Tables Open
12:10-12:40 p.m.	Lunch Speaker: Mentoring Youth in the Workplace Demoine Adams, CEO, TeamMates Mentoring
12:50-1 p.m.	Transition to Breakout Rooms \| Afternoon Refreshments
1-2:15 p.m.	Breakout 1: Advanced Business & Education – For schools and employers with an existing apprenticeship program. A panel comprising three to four facilitators will lead an engaging open forum focused on discussing the triumphs and obstacles associated with overseeing an apprenticeship program. Participants will have the opportunity to share their challenges and seek guidance, as well as highlight their successful strategies that can be emulated by others. Breakout 2: Beginning Business/Industry – Employers interested in beginning an apprenticeship program. Explore the elements integral to apprenticeship programs and gain insights into establishing a registered apprenticeship initiative, including considerations for youth labor laws. Led by representatives from the NE Department of Labor and the ELEVATE team, this session will cover key developmental aspects outlined in the summit workbook: Establishing your apprenticeship team within your organization Developing a mentorship plan Best practices for recruitment and hiring Breakout 3: Beginning Educators – For schools interested in beginning an apprenticeship program. Explore strategies for launching a high school apprenticeship program by fostering partnerships with local businesses and your community college. Learn about integrating these programs with Perkins funding, dual credit opportunities, and work-based learning initiatives under the Department of Education's purview. This session will be facilitated by CPI, ELEVATE staff and representatives from the NE Department of Education.
2:15-2:45 p.m.	Next Steps: Implement / Enhance your Youth Apprenticeship Program Gather into regional groups to discuss partnership opportunities and future actions. Businesses, high schools, community organizations and colleges will share their ideas from the prior session and explore areas for collaboration. Participants will depart with actionable steps toward implementing/growing Youth Apprenticeship programs in their region.
2:45-3 p.m.	ELEVATE Directors & Coordinators will be available for individual questions and conversations.

Thank you for coming. See you in 2025!

K.C. Belitz

K.C. Belitz is currently the Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, being appointed to the position by Governor Jim Pillen in July of 2023. Prior to joining DED, K.C. served four years as Chief Operating Officer of the Nebraska Community Foundation, working with NCF staff, volunteers, donors, and organizational partners to impact the future of Greater Nebraska. K.C. lives in Columbus but spends his time at the Lincoln office of DED or traveling to work with Nebraskans across the state. Previously, K.C. served as President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce since 2000. K.C. is a native of Columbus and graduate of Columbus High School and Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman University). He and his wife Colleen are the parents of their daughter Emerson, who is a graduate of UNL and now works for an analyst relations firm.

Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice-President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He plays a crucial role in advancing the chamber’s mission and supporting Nebraska’s business community. Johnson has been vocal about the challenges faced by the state’s largest industry sector, manufacturing, emphasizing the need for more workers to sustain growth. Additionally, he has been involved in recognizing outstanding manufacturers through events like the Manufacturer of the Year award.

Jim Sutfin

Jim Sutfin, before retiring from public education after serving 33 years, Dr. Sutfin was the Superintendent of Millard Public Schools. During his tenure, he was recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the field of education, including being named Nebraska Superintendent of the Year in 2020. He currently serves on multiple boards and works as an independent consultant focusing on workforce and leadership development.

DeMoine Adams

DeMoine Adams is currently the Chief Executive Officer for TeamMates NE. DeMoine previously held a position with the University of Nebraska Foundation as a Development Director. DeMoine also is a motivational speaker who inspires others to be greater, to be leaders and to be winners in the game of life. DeMoine is originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and is a former University of Nebraska standout football player. DeMoine played an instrumental role in helping the Huskers win a Big 12 Conference Championship in 1999 and helped lead the Huskers to the National Championship Rose Bowl in 2002. He also spent time in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ners. As a first-generation student, DeMoine received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in Political Science with minors in English, History, Communications, Ethnic Studies, and African Studies. He went on to receive his master’s degree in Educational Psychology and is pursuing his Doctorate degree at the University of Nebraska. DeMoine currently resides in Lincoln, Nebraska, and his motto is: “Once you see where you’re going, then everything you do must correspond with where you’re going.”

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Gold Sponsor

$3,000

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6 free registrations

Silver Sponsor

$1,000

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A block of rooms is reserved at the Younes Center North in Kearney for the conference. Attendees are responsible for reservations and payment.

To reserve a room under this block of rooms, call the hotel front desk at: 308-238-7000
The group name for this block of rooms is: ELEVATE Apprenticeship Summit
The group rate is $169.00 per night.

A credit card is required to guarantee individual reservations.

Check in time is 4 p.m. and check-out time is noon. (Rooms are made available for check-in as they become available, but cannot be guaranteed prior to 4 p.m.)
Younes Conference Center North is located at 707 W. Talmadge St., Kearney, NE 68845.
Parking and Driving Directions (scroll down for driving directions)