What is an Apprenticeship?
A registered apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high quality career pathway. It combines on-the-job training by experienced industry professionals with classroom instruction specific to a company’s unique needs and qualifications.
An apprenticeship is a completely employer-based program, not student-based. Mitchell Community College provides instruction to apprentices, but the apprenticeship itself is independent of completing coursework at Mitchell beyond the requirements for their program.
The Benefits of Apprenticeships
- Earn while you learn: Apprenticeships are full-time, paid jobs where individuals will receive wage increases as they develop new skills.
- Range of occupations: Apprenticeships aren’t just for skilled trades, they are available in a range of occupations, including healthcare.
- More than an internship: Apprenticeships are not internships. Nor are they pre-apprenticeships. The benefits, pay, employee status, and length of time between these programs differ. Apprenticeships are long-term, full-time, and permanent job opportunities where individuals earn a graduated income while they learn under the guidance of a mentor.
- Earn credentials: Registered apprenticeship programs result in a nationally-recognized credential. Apprentices will walk away with a 100% guarantee to employers that they are fully qualified for the job.
- Flourishing workforce: “Registered apprenticeships help employers create a talent pipeline with proven return on investment of more than 50% for most.” – ApprenticeshipNC
- Sharing of Knowledge: Apprenticeships guarantee a transfer of knowledge from the mentor to apprentice, ensuring a company’s workforce for years to come.
- Talent retention: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 90% of apprentices who finish their program stay with the same employer for five years.
What Mitchell Has to Offer
As an apprentice, to help make sure you are gaining all the skills needed to be successful, you will also enroll in courses at Mitchell Community College. Your Apprenticeship Occupation determines the length of the apprenticeship program. It is important to note that you must meet any requirements for your program, as required by Mitchell Community College.
"Our goal is to meet the needs and provide the county with a stable workforce and moving it forward."
How to Get Started
Step 1: Contact Us
Contact ApprenticeshipNC Consultant or Mitchell Community College, Lori McKay
Step 2: Build Program
Provide new employer information to ApprenticeshipNC Consultant
Step 3: Program Check
ApprenticeshipNC Director reviews and approves customized standards of apprenticeship developed with employer's input
Step 4: Program Registered
Consultant receives finalized standards of apprenticeship and certificate of registration
Step 5: Launch Program
Employer implements registered apprenticeship program
For more information, contact:
Scott Panagrosso, M.Ed.
ApprenticeshipNC Consultant
panagrossos@nccommunitycolleges.edu
Your program is launched! ...now what?
Employer Posts OPEN Apprenticeship Position
- Employer posts on company website and other job boards
- Registered apprenticeship requires job posting for open positions
Person applies for Open Apprenticeship Position
Person is hired for OPEN Apprenticeship Position
Employer sends Apprentice employee for related instruction
Related instruction can be at Mitchell Community College, 3rd Party vendor or company trainer as required by the Registered apprenticeship
For more information, contact:
Lori McKay
Business Services Coordinator
lmckay@mitchellcc.edu
(704) 978-5470
Our Apprenticeship Partners
Employers within Iredell County, please contact Lori McKay to help guide you through the process.
Contact:
Lori McKay
Business Services Coordinator
lmckay@mitchellcc.edu
(704) 978-5470
Scott Panagrosso, M.Ed.
ApprenticeshipNC Regional Consultant and Workforce Development Liaison
panagrossos@nccommunitycolleges.edu