Central College’s Stavros Papakonstantinidis, associate professor of communication studies, and Óscar Reynaga, senior lecturer of Spanish and dean of the Class of 2027, were selected for the Vermeer Teacher Internship summer program. The program offers educators a unique opportunity to delve into the dynamic operations of Vermeer Corporation.
This immersive experience provides educators with a firsthand understanding of the diverse roles and technologies shaping Vermeer’s industry-leading practices.
“A key aspect of the program involves candid discussions with Vermeer managers, recruiters and team members,” Papakonstantinidis says. “These interactions provide educators with valuable perspectives on industry trends, hiring practices and workplace culture, enabling ongoing collaboration that enhances classroom instruction with current industry insights.”
Participants embarked on a structured journey through various plants and departments within Vermeer, gaining firsthand insights into the operations their students will encounter upon entering the workforce. This included engaging in hands-on learning activities tailored to simulate the experiences of new hires at Vermeer, providing a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge their students need to succeed in the company.
“Vermeer Corporation is also actively supporting their Spanish-speaking team members through impactful community outreach initiatives,” Reynaga says. “This effort underscores their commitment to ensuring effective communication and support for all team members, regardless of linguistic background.”
