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.

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.

Role of Southeastern 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. 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

STUDENTS, PARENTS, & INFLUENCERS

Why should I 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

Apprenticeships can be the right choice for students that:

• prefers hands-on learning
• want to go right to work
• prefer to stay closer to family
• would like their education partly or fully paid for

How does an apprenticeship work?

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 do I become an apprentice?

APPLY ONLINE HERE

If you are a student or parent interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities in Columbus County, please contact us by contacting Denise Young, the Apprenticeship Coordinator at [email protected].

New Apprenticeship with Columbus Regional Heatlhcare Systems

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 coordinates 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 apprenticeships 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 Denise Young. She will coordinate a meeting with the apprenticeship consultant.