Special to Iredell Free News
Mitchell Community College’s Apprenticeship Iredell program recently received full apprenticeship sponsor status by North Carolina Community College System’s ApprenticeshipNC. This status means Mitchell is an integral facilitator with apprenticeship programs, allowing employers to participate in apprenticeship programs at no cost and with a more streamlined process.
“The college recognizes the critical urgency employers have for recruiting and retaining highly skilled workers,” said Amanda Rhea, director of Educational Partnerships at Mitchell. “Apprenticeship Iredell aligns on-the-job training with instruction at Mitchell to rapidly meet the evolving needs of industries in the county.”
In fall 2020, Mitchell launched Apprenticeship Iredell, a work-based learning opportunity. The goal of a registered apprenticeship program is to develop highly-skilled workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related fields. The program marries on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to both learn and earn.
As part of the apprenticeship program, students are hired by an industry partner to receive on-the-job training while enrolling in a selected program at Mitchell Community College. In the model developed, apprentices work to complete essential competencies within a specified timeframe. At the end of the program, the apprentice will earn North Carolina and federal recognition as a journeyworker in the field along with an associate degree from Mitchell.
“As a sponsor of registered apprenticeships, the college has an opportunity to bring a proven method of workforce training to our industry partners while ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. We will lessen the burden on employers and work alongside them to meet the demand for skilled workers in Iredell County,” explained Dr. Camille Reese, vice president for Instruction at Mitchell.
LEARN MORE
Interested students and potential industry partners should visit mitchellcc.edu/apprenticeship or contact Hannah Tuthill, apprenticeship coordinator, at htuthill@mitchellcc.edu or (704) 878-4263.
About Mitchell Community College
Mitchell Community College serves 9,000 students annually through a variety of curriculum, continuing education and workforce development programs. With campuses in Statesville and Mooresville, Mitchell CC offers quality, affordable education options to residents of Iredell County and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.mitchellcc.edu or call (704) 878-3200 (Statesville Campus) or (704) 663-1923 (Mooresville Campus).