Apprenticeship
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. Here at Randolph Community College, our goal is to help connect and support employers and apprentices. Opportunities are available for high school students, high school graduates, veterans leaving activeduty military service, and those looking to change careers or upskill their current position.
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. Randolph County employers that participate in our apprenticeship programs include Accuchrome, Asheboro Ford, Atalys, CCI Machine & Fabrication, Darran, Dart, DS Smith, Energizer, Hubbell Industrial Controls, Jowat, Mohawk, Oliver Rubber, Pemmco Mfg., Pexco, Phoenix Precision Machining, Post Consumer Brands, RCC, Sapona Plastics, Technimark, Timken, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, Unique Tool & Manufacturing, and United Brass Works.
Randolph Community College currently has employers with apprenticeships that include:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Automotive Technology
- Information Technology
We are adding new employers all the time, so please let us know what type of opportunities interest you or check out Apprenticeship Randolph or Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeships to learn more.
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.
The word internship is often 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 for students and employers.
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
Students, Parents, & Influencers
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
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.
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 work hours based on a scale that includes wage increases at specific achievement points.
If you are a student or parent interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities in Randolph County, please contact us by emailing Stacey Miller.
Along with including your name, email address, and phone number, let us know what careers interest you.
Employers
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.
If you are ready to learn more about apprenticeship, reach out to Stacey Miller, Director of Apprenticeships and Pathways at RCC, and she 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.
Contact Us!
Have questions about Apprenticeships? We're here to help.
Stacey Miller
Director of Apprenticeships and Pathways
swmiller@randolph.edu
336-318-4958