GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- A program that started in 2021 is finally seeing one of its participants finished it. 

Central Community College first participant of the Registered Apprenticeship program has completed it successfully. The program follows the “earn while you learn” model and partners with businesses of the area offering a variety of apprenticeships in different fields. 

Welding technology graduate Francisco Pano recently completed his apprenticeship with Standard Iron. 

“I feel really grateful being able to do my college and it’s pretty crazy," Pano said. "At first when I first started in this company I was 17, you know, I wasn’t sure they were actually going to hire me  ‘cause I was just a kid with no experience. Luckily, they gave me a chance I was able to get into this program and graduate and here I am.”

Apprenticeship coordinator Paulina Ortega said it was great seeing him complete the program. 

“It’s just amazing honestly, him in general, just completing the program," Ortega said. "I’ve always got really good feedback about him, and Standard Iron, they are also very easy to work with, and communicate with. I really appreciate our partnership.”

Pano received a nationally recognized certificate of completion on Friday and said he wants more. 

“Hopefully, I could move further in my job and get up to a higher position to where I’m at now," Pano said. "Hopefully supervisor.”

Currently there’s 22 apprentices and pre-apprentices in the program. 

Ortega said she’s happy about the outcome. 

“It's just great to kind of see it all come together, after like I said, we’ve been working for this two and a half years, three years and so just to see it," Ortega said. "This is what’ve been working and now we have our first graduate, so it’s amazing.”

Ortega said that there’re several ways to get into the program. She’s at career fairs, students can sign up or even be recommended by an employer.