Original Date: 07/23/1996
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Under the sponsorship of the state of Illinois, Nascote has engaged in a program to help high school and college teachers gain a better understanding of technology and current practices in industry. This direct participation program is the Vocational Instruction Practicum (VIP) Program.

Through the VIP Program, teachers go to Nascote for up to two weeks to receive hands-on-training to observe and apply new technology. This program enables teachers to increase their effectiveness through on-site work experiences in businesses like Nascote. The teachers are paid by grant funds from various sources. They gain essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes applicable to a variety of work activities. Teachers perform actual work on site, observe work processes and technology, and interview employers/employees about the nature of their work. The program also provides teachers with a better understanding of numerous aspects of the business while at the work site.

This VIP program provided valuable experience for teachers and had a significant impact on the quality of instruction in Illinois schools and colleges. In addition, the program has given Nascote employees the opportunity to go into the schools to share their knowledge, skills, and work experience directly with students. These efforts have helped improve the overall quality of the workforce available to Nascote and other companies in the state.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.