What is apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is an employer-based program that helps workers learn specialized skills needed in today’s work environment, combining on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction. Students earn nationally recognized credentials, while employers develop a talented team and close the skills gap. While many people start apprenticeships immediately after graduating from high school, they may also work well for veterans leaving active-duty military service, those looking to change careers, or people whose jobs are being replaced by technology. Here at Wilson Community College, our goal is to help connect and support employers and apprentices.
Today’s apprenticeships cover a wide range of industries and occupations. Large and small companies across North Carolina and around the world use apprenticeship to train their employees and build a skilled workforce. NC companies using the apprenticeship model include CVS, Siemens, GSK, Atrium Health, Machine Specialties Inc., and hundreds of others.
Just some of the apprenticeship opportunities offered by employers in North Carolina include those listed below, though there are many others:
- Healthcare (surgical technician, LPN, pharmacy tech, etc.)
- IT & cybersecurity
- Public safety (police, fire, EMS)
- Logistics & transportation
- Energy (line workers, etc.)
- Building trades (welder, electrician, plumbing, construction)
- Advanced manufacturing
- Finance & insurance
- Hospitality
- Bridgestone
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Watson Electrical
Types of apprenticeship
There are several types of apprenticeships:- Pre-Apprenticeship is for high school students who have an interest in the specific field and want to work for the employer full- or part-time. The pre-apprentices are paid and are often offered full apprenticeships upon graduation from high school.
- Registered or full apprenticeships are for students who have selected their career pathway and want to train in all aspects of the occupation as they work full- or part-time. Registered apprenticeships also provide a wage scale that increases based on experience and skills learned.
Benefits of apprenticeship
Both employers and apprentices benefit from a formal apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships offer students paid work-based learning and associated classroom learning as they earn nationally recognized credentials. Employers benefit with a well-trained workforce, improved loyalty, and reduced turnover. Learn more about the benefits for students and employers below.
The role of your local community college
Community colleges work with local employers to customize classroom training to meet employer needs and supplement work-based learning. This collaborative effort enables employers to train employees to fill specific roles. Your local community college may:- Provide crucial support, such as curriculum development, and deliver related instruction to apprentices
- Help develop curricula that allow apprentices to earn diplomas and certifications upon completion
- Offer grant funding available to pay for education assistance for specific industries
- Act as a resource partner for employers in providing the education for apprenticeship
- Become a resource for potential financial aid for apprentices
Why should I choose apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a great alternative pathway to a successful career. Benefits of apprenticeship include:
- Hands-on learning and job-related classroom or technical training provided
- Wages that increase as new skills are learned
- Earn national credentials, certifications, or college degrees
- Jump-start your career, supporting yourself and your family while learning
- Local employers offering apprenticeships give you the opportunity for a career close to home
Is apprenticeship right for me/my student?
Not every student wants to immediately head off to a university to earn a 4-year degree. For students that prefer hands-on learning, want to go right to work, prefer to stay closer to family, or would like their education partly or fully paid for, apprenticeship can be the right choice. In some cases, employers pay for 100% of the training costs; in others, the community colleges work with employers to obtain grant funding that covers these costs.
We often have parents or guardians say apprenticeship sounds too good to be true. It’s not. Apprenticeship is a win-win for employers and students.
How does apprenticeship work?
Most apprenticeships range from one to four years, with the apprentice earning a nationally recognized credential (or journeyperson’s certificate) after completing the program. The training programs are structured, with most programs including both hands-on and classroom education. Apprentices are paid for learning hours and work hours based on a scale that includes wage increases at specific achievement points.
How do I become an apprentice?
If you are a student or parent interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities in Wilson County, please contact us.
How apprenticeship benefits businesses
ApprenticeshipNC has one goal in mind: To help employers build a skilled workforce through on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction. Your ApprenticeshipNC team of dedicated consultants coordinate with your team and your local community college to develop a custom registered apprenticeship program that meets your specific needs. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced turnover & heightened loyalty
- Increased productivity & employee engagement
- Apprenticeships work for businesses of all sizes
- Training supported by your local community college
- Reduced search and recruitment costs
- Improved workforce diversity
- Assistance with grants to cover education and other costs
ApprenticeshipNC helps workers learn specialized skills needed in today’s work environment. With an employer-driven model, we help combine on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction.
North Carolina apprenticeship incentives for 2022
The NC General Assembly recently approved $12 million in funding to expand apprenticeship in the state (Session Law 2021-180 Section 6.14). The $12M is being used to provide funds for employers to add new apprentices ages 16-25 based on the following criteria:
- Small businesses within Tier 1 & 2 counties in sectors with high-demand careers (no more than 500 employees in the location)
- $2,000 per year for employers to onboard and train apprentices
- $2,500 per year for apprentice’s tuition, books, and fees
- Up to $15/hr. (non-high school) and up to $14/hr. (high school) salary match (50% reimbursement)
- Apprentices must be hired effective July 1, 2022, or later (you may register your apprenticeship program prior to 7/1 and enroll apprentices after that date to take advantage of the funding)
- Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026
- Funding will be coordinated through the NC Community College System
- Pre-apprenticeships are not eligible for these incentives
The high demand careers include, but are not limited to, the following occupation codes (please contact your community college apprenticeship coordinator or ApprenticeshipNC consultant for specifics):
- Architecture and Engineering (17-0000)
- Education (25-0000)
- Healthcare Technicians (29-0000)
- Healthcare Support (31-0000)
- Protective Service (33-0000)
- Food Preparation and Service (35-0000)
- Office and Administrative Support (43-0000)
- Construction and Extraction (47-0000)
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repairs (49-0000)
- Production (51-0000)
- Transportation (53-0000)
How does my business start an apprenticeship?
If you are ready to learn more about apprenticeship, reach out to Travis Flewelling, Dean of Industrial Technologies at Wilson Community College. They will coordinate a meeting with the apprenticeship consultant. Optionally, you may visit ApprenticeshipNC.com, find your apprenticeship consultant, and work with them to set up your program.
View the video on How to start a registered apprenticeship program with ApprenticeshipNC for more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Director of Apprenticeships & Customized Training
Department: Applied Technologies
Phone: (252) 246-1421
Email: rharrison@wilsoncc.edu
Office: Lee Technology Center -R160
Dean of Applied Technologies
Department: Applied Technologies Vice President for Academic Affairs
Phone: (252) 246-1210
Email: mvandemark@wilsoncc.edu
Office: R146
