Government

$4 Million Grant announced for North Carolina apprenticeship expansion

By Staff Report, posted 11 months ago

The North Carolina Business Committee of Education (NCBCE) has been awarded $4 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in high-demand fields. 

Announced by Governor Roy Cooper, D-NC, on Monday, Aug. 19, this grant is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s $195 million investment through the Apprenticeship Building America program.

NCBCE’s NC Career Launch will create a statewide youth apprenticeship system, developing and scaling programs for high school students that lead to RAPs in critical sectors. These programs will provide a seamless pathway to post-secondary education and a career with family-sustaining wages.

“For five years in a row, North Carolina has been ranked a top destination for business thanks to our highly-skilled and diverse workforce,” said Governor Cooper in a press release “NC Career Launch will continue to strengthen our already great public schools and workforce training programs by providing new pathways for high school students to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Apprenticeship is a proven workforce training model that combines paid on-the-job training with formal classroom instruction, helping workers gain the necessary skills for career success. NC Career Launch will focus on youth apprenticeships which are specifically designed for high school students, offering paid work-based learning, classroom instruction and mentorship. This initiative allows students to gain experience, build skills and pursue postsecondary education without incurring debt.

“This is an exciting time for NCBCE to expand opportunities for North Carolina's students to explore careers in key industry sectors where employers need trained and credentialed talent”, said NCBCE Chair Leslie Walden of Fidelity Investments in a press release. “NC Career Launch is positioned to put thousands of students on a path toward great careers with sustaining incomes by combining hands-on apprenticeship experience with educational opportunities beyond high school. Employers will be able to tap into a new pipeline of workers that are ready to put their relevant credentials or degrees and on-the-job experience to work. “

The program will develop, pilot and scale pathways in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, early childhood education, healthcare and information technology/cybersecurity. Students will receive instruction through Career and Technical Education (CTE) or dual enrollment at local community colleges, participate in work-based learning and earn industry-recognized credentials. Upon high school completion, students can continue into a RAP and complete their community college degree at no cost through the NC Apprenticeship Tuition Waiver.

"There is no better investment we can make than in the next generation. As a utility, we know firsthand the value of apprenticeships and look forward to welcoming those who benefited from NC Career Launch into our workforce," said Julia Wright, Manager of External Affairs for Dominion Energy and NCBCE Vice-Chair in a press release. "NCBCE is at the forefront of workforce readiness in North Carolina and is poised to make a tremendous impact thanks to this funding,"

NC Career Launch aims to address equity gaps in RAPs by providing workforce readiness, skills training, and wraparound services to support student success. The program will also pilot RAP pathways for students with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities, offering support for barriers such as transportation, books, and testing fees. 

"Google is proud to support this historic investment in Registered Apprenticeships. As a company, we have seen firsthand the value that apprenticeships can bring to both workers and employers,” said Lilyn Hester, Head of External Affairs and Government Relations - Southeast for Google and past NCBCE Chairwoman in a press release. “Apprenticeships provide a pathway to good jobs with competitive wages, while also helping employers build a skilled, diverse workforce. We are excited to see this investment in apprenticeships being made in North Carolina, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our state's economy."

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
fayetteville-state-university sambit-bhattacharya-phd headshott

FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D. - Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Fayetteville State University
north-carolina-military-business-center bill-simons headshott

Federal Food Series Webinars Will Connect North Carolina Food Businesses with Government Buyers

Bill Simons - Regional Program Manager, Goldsboro, North Carolina Military Business Center
cape-fear-valley-health daniel-mccullough-md headshott

Navigating weight loss: Insights from a bariatric surgeon

Daniel McCullough, MD - Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director, Cape Fear Valley Health

In The Current Issue

Creating opportunities: The Defense Alliance Foundation seeks to strengthen the local defense innovation ecosystem

DAF Chairman Phil Williams (far left) pictured with City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin (center) on June 10 following a presentation on a 25- year vision for the city’s continued growth and transformation. Photo provided by the DAF.The Defense Al


Empowering the mission: Linchpin Solutions provides tools to turn the tech of the future into the tools of today

Linchpin Solutions attends defense conferences throughout the year, using conferences and tradeshows to exhibit their services and connect with network professionals, including industry, military and government leaders to address and understand today


Lumberton is ready for takeoff: Lumberton Regional Airport embarks on major expansion to meet growing demand

Photo provided by Gary Lewis.The City of Lumberton is moving forward with a new terminal project at the Lumberton Regional Airport. It’s a collaborative effort involving several partners, including Cooper Tacia General Contractors, Talbert & Brig