Events
College Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
RALEIGH, N.C (November 22, 2024) – Wake Tech celebrated National Apprenticeship Week with special events at the WakeWorks® Apprenticeship Center at the college's Beltline Education Center.
The college co-hosted a comprehensive information session on November 18 for dozens of Wake County high school students. Sponsored by Wake Tech Apprenticeship, NCTAP and ApprenticeshipNC, the event gave teens and their parents an opportunity to hear from current and former apprentices, engage with industry experts and tour the facility, which offers a variety of programs, including advanced manufacturing and construction skilled trades.
The following day, Wake Tech hosted an Apprenticeship Job Fair for current students who are hoping to become registered apprentices. Apprentices gain on-the-job training while learning sought-after skills – all while earning a paycheck. Registered apprenticeships require a minimum of 2,000 hours of training and 144 hours of classroom instruction, and many lead to permanent employment. Apprentices are awarded an official JourneyWorker certificate upon completion of the apprenticeship, signifying they have mastered the skills in their field.
Steven Ponce, who is hoping to become an electrician, says the job fair at Wake Tech was the perfect opportunity for him.
"I met with several employers, and I hope I made a good first impression," said Ponce. "My goal is to get a job doing something that I love and eventually own my own business."
Wake Tech partners with nearly 150 companies to offer apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields. Wake Tech also provides classroom and lab training for youth apprentices as part of a partnership with NCTAP.
Wake Tech Apprenticeship is powered by WakeWorks®, a workforce development partnership between the college and Wake County to address the shortage of technical workers in the region.
Statistics show that apprenticeship supports a safer work environment and fosters a company culture that leads to improved employee retention. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor reveals that 91% of individuals completing an apprenticeship program are still with the sponsoring employer nine months later.
"Apprenticeships are a powerful tool for bridging the gap between education and employment, offering a hands-on, real-world experience that can be the perfect launching pad for individuals starting their careers," said John Wojcik, senior director of Wake Tech Apprenticeship. "By participating in an apprenticeship, individuals gain valuable skills, earn while they learn and often continue their full-time employment upon completion."
National Apprenticeship Week is designed to shine the spotlight on the value of apprenticeship programs and how they help develop a highly skilled workforce that meets industry needs and creates pathways for good paying jobs.
Learn more about student apprenticeship and employer partner opportunities with Wake Tech Apprenticeship at apprenticeship.waketech.edu.
