Arthrex is proud to announce that it has been recognized with an “Outstanding Employer Partner Award” from Lorenzo Walker Technical College (LWTC).
Arthrex is the first company to receive this recognition, which was given during a recent ceremony attended by Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli, Collier County Public Schools Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Carlos Artime, LWTC Director John Monda and more than 250 LWTC advisory board members, faculty and students.
Accepting the award on behalf of Arthrex was Director of Global IT Operations Bill Huber, who has played a pivotal role in growing the relationship between Arthrex and LWTC and has served as a member of the Advisory Committee for LWTC’s Enterprise Desktop and Mobile Support Technology program since June 2023. In his advisory role, Bill provides the program with an employer’s perspective regarding both the technical and non-technical skills needed in the workforce. His IT User Support team has also helped facilitate Arthrex’s donation of retired equipment to LWTC for use in troubleshooting and refurbishing training.
“Bill has challenged this program to grow in the best possible way,” said Enterprise Desktop and Mobile Support Technology Instructor Justin Miners. “For the first time in 10 years, we have a waitlist for our program.”
“Opportunities exist for collaboration in shaping other educational programs,” said Bill, citing Arthrex departments such as Culinary, Facilities, Lab Operations and Manufacturing – all teams that currently employ LWTC graduates.
“Arthrex has been a proud recruiting partner of LWTC for many years,” said College Relations Supervisor Alyssa McCoy, “and events such as the Arthrex Career Showcase and Manufacturing Day, largely facilitated by [Corporate Engagement Manager] Meg Hardt and her team, further strengthen that relationship.”
Additionally, Arthrex has piloted a new externship program designed to give students who may not be enrolled in a four-year degree the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on work experience. Through this new externship program, IT Support Specialist I Reed Cunningham spent two months learning Arthrex’s IT infrastructure and has since transitioned into a full-time role on Bill’s team.
“My externship prepared me for a seamless transition into my current role,” Reed said. “By the time I officially joined Arthrex, I was well prepared for most any hardware or software issues that may arise, and I had already experienced working with the wide variety of tickets the team faces on a daily basis.”
Bill commended LWTC for tailoring its programs to train for the skills that are needed in our community and, in turn, supplying a skilled talent pool that supports Arthrex’s continued growth.
“When you look at our core missions,” he said, “this partnership thrives because both Arthrex and LWTC are deeply committed to empowering individuals through education, innovation and skill development. Together, we are shaping futures and improving lives.”
