Apprenticeships

Questions? Contact Us.

Candice Lowder
Associate Vice President, Career Connections
clowder1126@stanly.edu
704-991-0293

 

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 Stanly 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. Large companies in North Carolina using the apprenticeship model include: CVS, Siemens, GSK, Atrium Health, Machine Specialties Inc., and many more.  

Some of the apprenticeship opportunities offered by employers in North Carolina include those listed below, though there are many others:

  • Healthcare (LPN, CNA, RN)
  • IT & cybersecurity
  • Public safety (police, fire, EMS)
  • Logistics & transportation
  • Energy (line workers, etc.)
  • Building trades (welder, electrician, plumbing, construction)
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Finance & insurance
  • Hospitality

SCC currently works with a variety of local employers offering apprenticeships:

  • Stanly County EMS
  • Whitley Automotive
  • Quality Child Care
  • All Star Learning Center
  • Richfield Child Development Center
  • Locust Child Development Center
  • Carnes-Miller Gear Company
  • City of Albemarle

We are adding new employers all the time, so please let us know what type of opportunities interest you. 

There are several types of apprenticeships:

  • Pre-Apprenticeship is for high school students who have an interest in a specific field and want to job shadow or work for the employer full- or part-time. Pre-apprentices may be paid or unpaid and are often placed in full apprenticeships after 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.

The word internship is sometimes mistakenly used in place of apprenticeship. They are not the same. Internships are typically short-term offerings that allow students to explore occupations. Employers offering internships often do not have structured training in place or positions to offer interns upon completion of their internship. Interns also do not receive nationally recognized credentials upon completing the internship.

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 below.

Why should I choose apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a great 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 may be the right choice. In some cases, employers pay for 100% of the training costs; in others, the community colleges work with employers to seek other funding that helps cover 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 on-the-job learning (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 Stanly County, please contact us by completing the form below.

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.

How does my business start an apprenticeship?

If you are ready to learn more about apprenticeship, contact Candice Lowder, Associate Vice President for Career Connections at 704-991-0293 or clowder1126@stanly.edu. SCC will coordinate a meeting with an  ApprenticeshipNC consultant to begin the process of building your program.

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

Want more information about apprenticeship opportunities with us? Let us know!