More North Carolina students will learn about how to train for an industry and get an education, thanks to a major new investment by the state to increase awareness of apprenticeships.
Through ApprenticeshipUSA, NC Commerce will receive $1.05 million to fund the NC Apprenticeship Expansion project, which will expand apprenticeships in manufacturing, logistics/transportation, health care, and information technology. The state will increase the participation of individuals, modernize information management technologies, expand the state’s capacity to register such programs, and increase awareness through outreach efforts. The expansion effort will serve 1,500 apprentices, with a focus on youth, incumbent workers, individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, and the economically disadvantaged.
Apprentices are paid employees who learn both on the job and in the classroom. Youth apprentices receive tuition waivers to pay for the cost of classes. When they graduate, apprentices often stay at the business that trained them, helping employers to overcome the skills gap that prevents them from finding qualified workers.
“I want every student in North Carolina to know that they can get an education and start their career without debt by joining an apprenticeship,” said NC Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III. “Apprenticeships are a great deal for both students and employers. They’re preparing people for well-paying jobs and helping employers develop the talent they need to grow and succeed.”
Under Governor Pat McCrory’s leadership, North Carolina has heavily invested in apprenticeships and ensured that more young people use these programs to begin their careers. Governor McCrory eliminated the fees for participating businesses and secured an additional $500,000 for apprenticeships in this year’s state budget, along with $110,000 in tuition waivers for youth apprentices enrolled in North Carolina’s community college system during the current fiscal year.
ApprenticeshipUSA is a federal initiative through the US Department of Labor to promote apprenticeships. North Carolina is one of 37 award recipients of the State Expansion Grants.
NCWorks
Governor McCrory’s goal of the NCWorks initiative is to create a stronger alignment of state and local services and resources to meet the workforce needs of businesses, connect North Carolinians to technical training and quality careers, and use data to monitor and assess program outcomes. Groups implementing NCWorks include N.C Commerce’s Workforce Solutions team, the NCWorks Commission, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and the North Carolina Community College System. For more information about NCWorks, visit nccommerce.com/ncworks.