Apprenticeship is becoming more common in the US as companies look at ways to address their skilled workforce needs and is a growing area of interest in Alamance County. Individual companies can host apprentices in all types of skilled trades. Alamance County manufacturing companies have an alternate choice: joining the apprenticeship consortium, the Career Accelerator Program. In the consortium model, the companies work together to market, recruit, select and train apprentices. Interested in learning more about your company having an apprentice? Contact Kevin Szostak at kevin@alamancechamber.com
Apprenticeship NC
The Apprenticeship NC website has information on apprenticeship within the state of North Carolina. Independent apprenticeships can be structured for various duration, level of required technical education, and level of employer investment. Depending on their design, these programs may be more attractive to specific demographics, including an employer’s existing workforce, veterans, high school or college students.
Career Accelerator Program
Today’s companies need well-trained, and highly-skilled workers to be successful. The Chamber helped to facilitate, develop, and continues to support the Career Accelerator Program (CAP). CAP is a four-year apprenticeship consortium between local manufacturing companies, Alamance Community College and the Alamance Burlington School System. High school juniors and seniors are are recruited to apply to the program. During the selection process, students and companies have the opportunity to match with each other and begin the process of training for their future career.
At the end of the four year period, the student will have an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, a Journeyman’s Certificate from the NC Department of Commerce, and a guaranteed job with the company. With no college debt. Students not only get paid for the time working at the company, but also for the time they are in class. The companies also cover the costs of books and tuition.
For complete information about the program, the companies in the consortium, the process and other frequently asked questions, visit the Career Accelerator Program website. You may also contact Kevin Szostak, Director, Economic Development Projects, at kevin@alamancechamber.com about the program.