Raleigh Based Apprenticeship Is Providing Students With Career Paths

In Raleigh North Carolina Wake Technical Community College WakeWorks apprenticeship program is working to help train participants in high-demand industries as well as connect students with employers and businesses who are in need of skilled workers.

The idea for the WakeWorks apprenticeship was created in partnership with the Wake County Board of Commissioners in 2018 due to the board finding significant sections of high unemployment as well as a little to no economic mobility with limited career opportunities. Having seen this information and foreseeing a potential worker shortage the board came to the conclusion that setting funds aside for apprenticeships would be extremely beneficial.

“We have career coaches that work specifically with our WakeWorks apprenticeship students to help them through whatever life is throwing at them. We have a wonderful grant from Credit Suisse that allows for barrier removals, so when students have one-off types of problems, we're able to use that fund to help them get over the hurdle”

John Wojcik, Senior Director of WakeWorks Apprenticeship Training Continuing Education

WakeWorks apprenticeship was officially established in March 2020. The program requires its participants to complete-time within the classroom as well as complete 2000 hours per year of on-the-job learning. In order to grow the program, WakeWorks collaborated with leaders from a wide variety of industries allowing them to grow the program quickly adding occupation training for careers ranging from carpentry to paramedics.

Students who participate in WakeWorks apprenticeship will first complete a pre-apprentice where they will be asked to take introductory classes that will allow them to advance towards the official apprenticeship. Apprentices will then be able to network and interact with partner businesses for hiring events in the fall and spring, where participants are able to get on-the-job training.

WakeWorks also recently hired a youth apprenticeship coordinator who primarily works with Wake County Public Schools. As part of this role, the coordinator will work with counselors in the high schools to make them aware of the program and promote the option after graduation.