Dedicated to creating “paths to possible,” Southeast Community College offers a Registered Apprenticeship Program to bridge the gap between employers and students by using a tangible, hands-on approach to create workforce readiness. Benefits abound for both students and employers, as SCC helps move the needle toward closing the shortage of skilled labor.
Apprenticeships curated for the modern age
Historically, apprenticeships have been associated with skilled trades and are attractive for their earn-while-you-learn model. Today, the U.S. Department of Labor has formalized what it means to be a registered apprenticeship program.
Employers commit to providing a paid position for one to three years that incorporates structured on-the-job learning, wage increases as competencies are mastered and a mentor to provide one-to-one guidance. Training may be customized to reflect an employer’s own needs and skills gaps. The payoff? The Nebraska Department of Labor reports that employers earn $1.47 for every dollar invested in an apprentice, while also benefiting from lower turnover and a more prepared workforce.
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Technical instruction complements on-the-job training with a curriculum created as a collaboration between SCC and the employer that encompasses all industry and educational standards. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice earns an industry recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor that is portable and stays with the employee throughout their career.
SCC boasts unique benefits by connecting apprentices with its Office of Work-Based Learning. Students are offered a career coach as well as support to move past obstacles to participation, such as assistance with child care, housing and transportation.
Attracting talent from all walks of life
SCC is targeting expansion of its apprenticeship programs in H3 occupations, meaning those that are high skill, high demand, high wage. Although just becoming established, SCC is already developing apprenticeships for welding, professional truck driving and electrical and electromechanical technology. Future goals include apprenticeships in the health sciences and information technology fields.
Those participating in apprenticeships come from all walks of life, from traditional college students to adult learners looking to up-skill or re-skill. The common thread is the goal to up-skill and re-skill. Connie Russell accepted the apprenticeship director position after serving as an admissions counselor at SCC. She says, “Many working adults would come to me eager to learn a new trade, hoping for greater job fulfillment and wanting to better provide for their families. We would piece a plan together but there were no clear solutions. The Apprenticeship Program changes that. From day one, students earn a paycheck knowing they have strong future earning potential and a foot in the door with an employer.”
Apprentice programs can be a useful path for immigrants who are unable to access their transcripts or transfer their credentials, as well as recent high school graduates who want to be positioned for success without the traditional four-year degree.
Long-term career success
The data shows that apprenticeship programs create success. Apprenticeship USA, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, notes that 93% retain their position with their employer and have an average starting salary of $77,000 upon completion of the apprenticeship. Financial benefits continue to accumulate, and apprentices realize a $300,000 lifetime earning advantage.
Interested students and employers are invited to reach out to Southeast Community College by visiting southeast.edu/apprenticeships.
