In an announcement in June sent to local media last year, Cape Fear Community College highlighted success stories in one of the Wilmington-based school’s apprenticeship programs.
School officials have been working to draw attention to apprenticeships in recent years.
To that end, the June news release said three graduates of the Electrical Apprenticeship Career and College Program (CCP) had accepted job offers and begun working at AB Blake Electrical, a Wilmington company that dates back to 1924.
“The electrical field is in dire need of young men and women to usher in the industry’s future, so to have these individuals who have shown interest by taking the courses is a promising step to ensure that we are in good hands down the road,” said Thomas Blake, of AB Blake, in the release.
CFCC officials said they also want to get the word out about white-collar apprenticeship offerings.
These programs offer guaranteed entry-level wages, yearly raises and employer-paid course costs, making them an excellent option for those looking to build a career and lessen their financial burden.” – CFCC Officials
Logan Crouch has been CFCC’s apprenticeship coordinator since April.
“Since I’ve been in the position, we have implemented early childhood education as the newest white-collar apprenticeship, as well as IT and accounting,” Crouch said.
CFCC officials choose which apprenticeships to start based on the needs of local industries.
“For instance, early childhood education: there’s been a big influx in hiring for those positions,” Crouch said.
Apprenticeships for blue-collar employment, such as in the electrical, automotive and manufacturing industries, have been supported by a continuing state initiative and grants, said Gina Mecca, director of CFCC’s career services division. “But we’re really pushing those white-collar (apprenticeships) now too,” Mecca said.
She said as part of that effort, “we’re working with some really great corporate companies that are jumping on board.”
Most of CFCC’s blue-collar apprenticeships have advisory boards, said Christina Hallingse, CFCC’s director of media relations.
All of the programs come with additional oversight.
“We have to register all of our employers and students with the state for them to be recognized in true apprenticeship programs,” Hallingse said.
ApprenticeshipNC, the state apprenticeship agency operating under the economic development division of the N.C. Community Colleges system, is tasked with that oversight and tracks apprenticeship statistics.
“The past year has seen significant growth in the use of apprenticeship with 45% growth in Registered Apprenticeship (3,438 FY23 to 4,990 FY24) and 50% growth in registered pre-apprenticeship (1,186 FY23 to 1,774 FY24),” wrote Chris Harrington, state director of ApprenticeshipNC, in the agency’s 2023-24 fiscal year annual report.
According to the report, the majority of new-enrollment students for FY 2023-24 in the state’s registered apprenticeship programs were white (42%) and male (75%).
In an effort to reach more potential apprentices, CFCC marked National Apprenticeship Week in November with industry-focused career fairs.
“These programs offer guaranteed entry-level wages, yearly raises and employer-paid course costs, making them an excellent option for those looking to build a career and lessen their financial burden,” CFCC officials stated in the release. “With courses offered at various times, participants can continue working while they complete their training.”
Greg Bland, vice president of continuing education and economic and workforce development at Brunswick Community College, said BCC “is committed to providing students with apprenticeship opportunities that overcome employment barriers through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. Pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships lead to industry-recognized credentials and connect students with employers that are dedicated to long-term hiring, mentorship and advancement.”
He said each community college takes a unique approach to promoting work-based learning and apprenticeship programs.
“At Brunswick Community College, the workforce development team actively engages with employers. Through one-on-one site visits and small group advisory meetings, BCC introduces employers to apprenticeship opportunities and work-based learning.
“The college also incorporates WIOA Title I funding into presentations to ensure employers understand the available wage reimbursement, which is awarded through the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board,” Bland said.
He pointed out that apprenticeships not only help students who are preparing for employment, but “employers should know they can partner with Brunswick Community College to help existing employees start the apprenticeship process and earn a journeyman credential.”
He said the BCC leadership team can help employers launch the process and align evening and weekend classes with on-the-job tasks.
“This initiative remains a priority for North Carolina and our college, driven by growing evidence that pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs significantly enhance wages and long-term earning potential for students from low-income families,” Bland said.
In addition to learning a job and teamwork, apprentices and pre-apprentices can find out quickly whether they are in the right environment, Mecca said.
“It really is a beautiful pathway,” she said.
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