Old National Bank’s High School Apprenticeship Program Opens Doors to Future Careers
For many high school students, deciding what comes after graduation can feel overwhelming. Old National is helping students explore their options through its High School Apprenticeship Program, a two-year work-based learning experience that provides firsthand exposure to careers in banking while helping students build professional skills.
Building a Pipeline for Future Talent
After a successful pilot with five local high school students, Old National recently welcomed its first official cohort: seven students from the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. Students work approximately 15-20 hours per week at Old National while completing their high school coursework.
Over two years, they gain hands-on experience, earn state-recognized credentials and college credit opportunities, and learn about career paths in banking and business.
“This is really about helping students explore careers and gain meaningful experience before they graduate,” said Jance Johnston, Talent Development Consultant who helps lead Old National’s early career programs. “It gives them a chance to see whether banking — or another profession — is the right fit before they invest years in education or training.”
Learning More Than Banking
While students gain exposure to banking operations, the program goes beyond job-specific training. During the pilot, students worked on real projects, shadowed different lines of business, received resume and interview coaching, and learned workplace skills such as professional communication and using collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams.
The experience also includes lessons many professionals take for granted, from navigating a parking garage to understanding workplace expectations and professional dress.
“We have to remember these students are still learning how the professional world works,” said Libby Scheesele, Commercial Servicing Director, who mentored a student during the pilot. “Watching that growth throughout the year was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.”
Finding a Career Path
One of the pilot program’s success stories is Kenzie Kennedy, a former participant who now works as a client service representative in an Old National banking center. When she applied for the program, Kenzie wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after high school. She knew college wasn’t necessarily her next step, but she hadn’t found a clear direction.
“I really had no idea what I wanted to do,” Kenzie said. “When I got the opportunity, I thought I’d give it a try. It was overwhelming at first because it was my first experience in a corporate environment, but over time it became more comfortable, and I really enjoyed it.”
Through operational projects and job shadowing, Kenzie discovered opportunities in banking she hadn’t considered.
“If I hadn’t done the apprenticeship, I probably wouldn’t be working at a bank today,” she said.
That experience made Kenzie’s transition into Community Banking a natural next step, said Jenna Melton, Banking Center Assistant Manager and Kenzie’s new manager.
“We were thrilled to welcome Kenzie to our banking center,” Jenna said. “She brings a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to learning and growing in her role.”
A Win for Students and for Communities
The program’s value extends beyond recruiting future employees. Mentors say it also helps students discover what they don’t want to do, which is a valuable lesson in itself.
“We had another student who realized office work wasn’t the right fit for her,” Libby said. “That was still a success because she figured that out before investing years pursuing a path that wasn’t right for her.”
By providing real-world exposure, mentorship and guidance, the apprenticeship helps young people make more informed decisions about their futures while building confidence and workplace readiness. As the newest cohort begins its journey, Old National is investing not just in future talent, but in helping students discover what’s possible.
