RCAM’s New Apprenticeships are Looking to Reshape Our Future Workforce

Northeast State Community College and the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing have teamed up together in the Kingsport, Tennessee area to launch a Registered Apprenticeship focused on training participants in electromechanical technology, mechanical technology, machining, and metal fabrication.

RCAM can offer their employers a structured training solution created using The Department of Labor’s standards. Many companies who have made use of RCAM’s services have seen a variety of benefits for their company and employees including, the ability to diversify their workforce, improve productivity and profitability, standardize training, reduce turnover, and receive tax credits.

“Both pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeships are a pathway to sustainable employment for so many in our state. It is a workforce solution that directly addresses the workforce challenges our employers face every day.”

Tyra Copas, Tennessee’s Director of Apprenticeship

RCAM has created many programs throughout the state and most recently partnered with the state of Tennessee and J.A. Street & Associates to offer a pre-apprenticeship at Tennessee High School in Bristol. The program will help high schoolers prepare for DOL registered programs as well as provides a pathway toward long-term employment. Apprentices will have a starting wage of $11 per hour with pay increases every 6 months until the completion of the four-year program.

RCAM is a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship sponsor meaning that they help to develop the training and curriculum for companies ranging from small businesses to corporate giants. RCAM sponsored its first apprenticeship program in Spring 2017 when Kingsport’s Silgan Closures entered into a registered apprenticeship program in RCAM’s mechatronics technician program. For the calendar year, 2021-2022 RCAM has signed partnerships with Bell, Fiber Innovation Technology, J.A. Street and associates, and others to produce apprenticeships that range from mechatronics and carpentry to metal building construction.