In celebration of National Apprenticeship Day on April 30, 2025, Mitchell Community College recognizes the significance of apprenticeship programs for students and the community. Through partnerships with businesses and industries, Mitchell supports our students’ economic mobility and empowers their futures by working with several local industries to facilitate apprenticeship experiences.
The Registered Apprenticeship program is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, while apprentices can obtain paid work experience, progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable nationally recognized credential.
“There are over 1,000 Apprenticeship Pathways. If we teach the course or program at Mitchell Community College, we can add it as an Apprenticeship Pathway,” said Lori McKay, Business Services / Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator at Mitchell.
Registered Apprenticeship is not just for skilled trades. In addition to Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Welding, Mitchell has Registered Apprentices in the Healthcare (CNA and Registered Nurse), and Paramedic industries. Other occupations of active interest are: Administrative, Basic Firefighter Training, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Electrician, HVAC, Information Technology, Transportation (CDL), Maintenance Technician, Phlebotomy, and Pharmacy Technician.
Apprenticeship programs help create pathways for a skilled and trained workforce – a concept embraced by several local industries and municipalities. In November of 2024, by proclamation of Mayor Costi Kutteh, the City of Statesville, NC joined Mitchell in its celebration by declaring November 17 – 23 as National Apprenticeship Week. The College is appreciative of the City of Statesville and other community partnerships that create opportunities for apprentices to earn while they learn, preparing a pathway to quality jobs and well-paying careers in Statesville, Iredell County and across the nation.
The Registered Apprenticeship is a flexible program designed to meet the needs of the employer and their developing workforce needs, and its success is a direct result of strong community partnerships that have a commitment to creating sustainable careers for the apprentices.
There are five key components of a Registered Apprenticeship that differentiate the program from other types of workplace training:
- Industry Led – Programs are industry-vetted and approved to ensure alignment with industry standards and that apprentices are trained for highly skilled, high-demand occupations.
- Paid Job – Registered Apprenticeship are jobs! Apprentices earn progressive wages as their skills and productivity increase.
- Structured On-the-job Learning/Mentorship – Programs provide structured on-the-job training to prepare for a successful career, which includes instruction from an experienced mentor.
- Supplemental Education – Apprentices are provided supplemental classroom education based on employers’ unique training needs to ensure quality and success.
- Credentials – Apprentices earn a portable, nationally recognized credential within their industry.
Mitchell Community College works with ApprenticeshipNC, a State Apprenticeship Agency recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship, to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Are you an employer interested in starting an apprenticeship program? Or maybe you’re an individual interested in apprenticing with an industry to learn more about the trade? Visit mitchellcc.edu/apprenticeship or contact Lori McKay, Business Services/Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator, at lmckay@mitchellcc.edu to discuss the benefits of the Registered Apprentice Program and how to get started.