Wake Tech Apprenticeship combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training to build and develop a skilled workforce. Funded by WakeWorks®, a partnership between the college and Wake County, Wake Tech Apprenticeship addresses the region's shortage of technical workers while giving students a unique opportunity to earn an income while gaining new skills.
Employers, in conjunction with Wake Tech Apprenticeship, determine the skills their apprentices need to possess and design the experiences to validate competencies. Classroom preparation is reinforced through hands-on learning, where apprentices are monitored by an experienced company mentor. The result is a highly skilled candidate well prepared for the expectations of the workplace.
Registered apprenticeships require a minimum of 2,000 hours of training and 144 hours of classroom instruction, and many lead to permanent employment. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor reveal that 91% of individuals completing an apprenticeship program are still with the sponsoring employer nine months later.
Apprentices are awarded an official Journeyworker certificate upon completion of the apprenticeship, signifying they have mastered the skills in their field.
Wake Tech apprenticeships are registered with ApprenticeshipNC, the North Carolina Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeships offer opportunities for students to earn while they learn and to get a leg up on employment and workplace success while gaining relevant skills and developing lasting connections.
Statistics show that apprenticeship supports a safer work environment and fosters a company culture that leads to improved employee retention. Businesses find that apprenticeships can offer a competitive edge, serve as a powerful tool in developing a workforce tailored to their unique needs and provide a foundation for growth.
Thanks to funding provided by Wake County, the cost of tuition, fees, books, uniforms and tools for students accepted into a Wake Tech Apprenticeship or a pre-apprenticeship program is covered.