Think banking is boring? Think again. At Heritage Bank NA, the future of banking is hands-on, people-focused, and full of opportunities for young professionals who want to build a meaningful career right here in Willmar, MN. One of the most impactful ways new talents enter the industry is through the Banking Apprenticeship Program, a structured, real-world learning experience designed for individuals who want to grow.
Whether you are a recent college graduate or someone searching for a clear path into a community-focused career, this program might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
What the Apprenticeship Program Is All About
The Heritage Bank NA Apprenticeship Program gives participants a look at what modern banking involves. Over 18-24 months, apprentices rotate through several departments, including customer service, credit, deposits, business banking, and mortgage.
Jon Liesener, a current apprentice, shared how his journey began in the lobby, helping customers and learning the basics of deposits and account openings. That early foundation opened the door to deeper learning. He gained experience in customer feedback, credit analysis, and now continues to expand his skills across the bank.
His words say it best:
“I didn’t have any banking background to start with. This experience helped me build a full picture of what banking looks like. You just don’t learn that in college.”
This program is designed exactly for people like Jon, who bring curiosity and initiative rather than formal banking training.
Why It Matters for Young Professionals
As Bob Mathiasen, Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Bank NA, explained during this segment of KWLM’s Ask the Expert, college alone often doesn’t prepare people for roles in banking. While some programs touch on finance basics, they rarely dive into the day-to-day realities of serving customers, reviewing credit, or understanding risk.
Bob shared that many large banks once offered formal training programs, but those opportunities have largely disappeared. That gap is exactly why Heritage Bank built something better. Their apprenticeship pathway blends learning with real responsibility. At every stop along the way, apprentices are expected to spend at least two‑thirds of their time actively contributing to the team’s goals, not just learning and observing from the sidelines.
As a result, apprentices gain:
• Real, hands-on experience instead of theory alone
• Direct mentorship from subject matter experts
• A clearer understanding of where their strengths fit
• A supportive environment that encourages growth while adding real value to the organization
And in Jon’s case, the experience has already shaped long-term career clarity.
“It’s been the opposite of boring. This experience really fits my skill set and aligns with Heritage Bank values.”
The Skills You Will Build
This apprenticeship is built to shape well-rounded bankers who understand how everything fits together. Along the way, apprentices develop:
- Customer service-confidence
- Financial literacy
- Credit and risk analysis skills
- An understanding of deposits and business banking
- Problem-solving mindset
- Strong communication and teamwork
Every step is supported by Heritage Bank’s core values of Ethics, Solutions, Ownership, and Positivity, also known internally as ESOP. These are more than words. They guide how team members show up for customers and each other.
A Program That Reflects Community Values
Heritage Bank’s long-standing involvement in the KCEO Program deeply connects this apprenticeship to community roots. Bob described KCEO as “near and dear” to his heart. Heritage Bank was an original supporter and is now a “Super Investor,” helping make entrepreneurial opportunities accessible to even more students.
The apprenticeship reflects that same commitment. It’s not just about teaching banking. It is about preparing young adults to step confidently into their futures, contribute to their communities, and grow into leadership roles.
How to Apply
If you want to explore a career in banking, start here.
Visit Heritage Bank’s Careers Page to see open opportunities and submit your application.
Bob added one more tip for applicants:
“If you heard Bob and Jon on the radio talking about the program, mention that when you apply. We will make sure you get a conversation.”
Why Heritage Bank Stands Out
Heritage Bank creates space for learning, trying, growing, and discovering what you’re good at. With the banking industry evolving quickly, roles are becoming more diverse. As Bob explained, the bank now attracts talent from tech, project management, customer experience, and other non-traditional backgrounds.
This is banking today. Dynamic. Tech-forward. People-centric.
And with programs like this apprenticeship, Heritage Bank is developing the next generation of leaders from within.
New Opportunities
Metropolitan State University
Heritage Bank is also partnering with Metropolitan State University to expand workplace-based learning. This new Human Resources apprenticeship began in December and aligns real-world experience with academic progress. This program helps students earn credentials, avoid educational debt, and step directly into full-time roles.
Metro State leaders say it best:
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Heritage Bank NA to develop our first Human Resources apprenticeship. This model has enormous potential to address workforce needs while giving students meaningful, career-building opportunities.”
This partnership shows how deeply Heritage Bank cares about shaping the future workforce both inside and outside the bank.
Ridgewater College
While the banking apprenticeship remains a standout example of how this model works, partnerships with Ridgewater College reflect a broader commitment to meeting long‑term resource needs, developing talent from within the community, and creating career paths that benefit both the individual and the organization.
As Anna Kincannon, Director of Administration and CFO at Heritage Bank NA, shared:
“We are often asked why we choose apprenticeships over internships. Apprenticeships allow us to invest more deeply in people while they are contributing meaningfully to the organization.”
Your Banking Career Starts Here
If you are driven, curious, and ready to explore a career that blends people’s skills with problem-solving, Heritage Bank’s Banking Apprenticeship Program is a powerful place to begin.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore current openings on the Careers Page and see where this journey could take you.
Helping People Succeed Financially. We see every customer as an individual and treat our customers’ businesses as our own. Our dedicated, experienced staff is there for our customers on every step of their journey.
