Apprenticeships

Types of Apprenticeships

There are several types of apprenticeships:

• Pre-Apprenticeship: for high school students who have an interest in a 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: 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.

Apprenticeships vs. Internships

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.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

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.

SCC’s role

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. SCC 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

Apprenticeships for students

Why choose an 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

Who it can be a good fit for

• People who prefer hands-on learning
• People who want to start working sooner
• People who want to stay closer to family
• People interested in education that may be partly or fully covered

How it works?

Most apprenticeships range from one to four years, with the apprentice earning a nationally recognized credential 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 to get started

If you are a student or parent interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities in Columbus County, you apply using the button below or contact Denise Young at [email protected].

Read about SCC’s new Apprenticeship with Columbus Regional Heatlhcare Systems

Apprenticeships for 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 coordinates with your team and your local community college to develop a custom registered apprenticeship program that meets your specific needs.

Benefits for employers

• Reduced turnover and stronger retention
• Increased productivity and engagement
• Programs that can fit businesses of many sizes
• Training supported by your local community college
• Lower recruitment costs
• Help identifying grants to offset 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 to start

If you are ready to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities, contact Denise Young, to coordinate a meeting with an apprenticeship consultant.