Signing Day 2026

At Metropolitan Community College, Signing Day looks a little different. There are no jerseys or athletic scholarships — just a commitment to a career.

Surrounded by family, mentors and industry partners, 30 students crossed the stage April 22, at the South Omaha Campus’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing, each signing a letter of intent to begin a paid, hands-on career pathway in the skilled trades. Through the program, students split their time between the classroom and the job site, earning a paycheck while their employer covers the cost of their education.

More than 100 local employers participate in the sponsorship program, representing industries ranging from manufacturing, automotive, HVAC and electrical. Companies recognizing new sponsorships at this year’s event included Wholestone Prestage, Baxter Auto, Brand Hydraulics, Gregg Young Auto Group, H+H Auto Group and Lozier.

“This is my favorite day of the year,” said Scott Broady, MCC dean of Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences. “Seeing all the family and community members supporting our students is flat-out amazing. We’re so proud of these students who are about to embark on a journey full of opportunity.”

For Jose Ortiz, who signed with Tyson Foods, the moment was more than a career — it was about family.

“She’s the reason I’m here,” he said of his mother, who has worked for Tyson for more than 20 years. “It feels good to make her proud.”

Ortiz, who is part of the Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance Technology program, began taking classes ahead of Signing Day. He said the variety and real-world application of the coursework have kept him engaged.

“Our first classes were in boilers, then we got into electrical components, and now we’re learning about motors,” he said. “A lot of what we’re doing in class really correlates to what we do at Tyson.”

Tyson Foods recognized seven new student sponsorships at the event, continuing its investment in building a skilled workforce from within the community.

For employers, the program is more than a recruitment tool — it’s a long-term solution to workforce shortages.

Attending Signing Day for the first time, Gregg Young Chevrolet welcomed its first sponsored student, Liam Helt. Human capital manager Nick Krause said the dealership group, which currently operates 12 locations, hopes to grow — but that growth depends on developing talent.

“There’s already a shortage of people to fill those professions,” Krause said. “If we, as an employer, aren’t active in trying to fix that problem today, it will compound tomorrow.”

Through sponsorship, Helt will gain experience in the field while continuing his education, applying what he learns in real time.

That kind of hands-on learning has been key for longtime partner Lozier, a retail store fixture and shelving manufacturer. This year, the company added two new students — Isabella “Bella” Borges and Noah Advijon — to its workforce pipeline.

Hannah Bolte, marketing and communications director for Lozier, said the partnership has helped the company adapt to an industry shaped by retirements and shifting workforce demands.

“When we started doing sponsorships 14 years ago, it was because there was a huge employment gap as people were retiring,” she said. “Today, it’s a strong pipeline—almost 40% of our employees have come through this partnership.”

For students like Ortiz, Signing Day marks more than a milestone moment. It’s the beginning of a career built on hands-on experience, financial support and the confidence that comes from learning while doing.

To learn more about skilled trades programs at MCC, visit mccneb.edu/SkilledTrades or call 531-MCC-2400.