Milestones
College Recognized as Apprenticeship Ambassador
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 18, 2024) – Wake Tech is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a United States Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador. The recognition certifies that the college is committed to modernizing, diversifying, and expanding Registered Apprenticeship to support the success of American workers, employers, and communities across the country.
With the support of Wake County, Wake Tech has greatly expanded its focus on apprenticeship as a way for students to earn a salary while they learn on the job and in the classroom, and as a way for employers to develop the skilled workforce they need.
Four years ago, Wake County commissioners voted to spend up to $500,000 per year to launch WakeWorks®, an initiative to expand apprenticeship opportunities at Wake Tech. WakeWorks® funding covers tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and tools for apprentices, who receive 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of related classroom instruction.
Before WakeWorks®, Wake Tech had about 100 students working as apprentices at one of 15 companies. Now there are nearly 500 Wake Tech students working as apprentices at more than 140 companies.
Wake Tech also partners with ApprenticeshipNC through the NC Community College System office, and with the NC Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP), which focuses on youth apprenticeship opportunities for high school students.
Most apprenticeships turn into permanent employment with statistics showing that 91 percent of apprentices are still with their employers after nine months. Apprenticeship graduates can expect to earn as much as $300,000 more over their lifetime compared to peers who don’t complete an apprenticeship, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Learn more at apprenticeship.waketech.edu.
