Training That Works for Businesses & Students
Are you an employer in need of innovative talent solutions to help your business grow? Are you a company looking to customize and strengthen your workforce with skilled, dedicated individuals?
Or are you a student eager to earn income while gaining hands-on experience, developing new skills, and advancing your career within a supportive organization?
South Piedmont Community College’s apprenticeship programs offer dynamic, flexible pathways to success for both employers and students.
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses by providing access to a pipeline of trained, job-ready individuals, while giving students the opportunity to learn, earn, and grow — all at the same time.
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93%
Apprentices who are retained after their apprenticeship ends
91%
Employers who report a positive ROI within a year
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Types of apprenticeships offered
What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeship programs blend classroom instruction and on-the-job training. An apprenticeship consists of intensive on-the-job training at one of our 30+ apprenticeship partners and related classroom instruction provided by our expert instructors. South Piedmont Community College offers three types of apprenticeships:
These are long-term programs designed to recruit high school students into the industrial trades. While completing their high school diplomas, youth apprentices begin gaining on-the-job skills at area employers. Youth apprenticeships are offered tuition-free to the student. These programs lead to a registered apprenticeship.
These programs have an immediate impact on a company’s talent needs. Adult pre-apprenticeships are focused on filling high-demand roles by recruiting early- to mid-career professionals who are transitioning into a new career or returning to work. These programs also lead to a registered apprenticeship.
Registered apprenticeships continue the experience for youth and adult pre-apprenticeship participants.Apprentices earn their associate degree and journey worker’s certification. Businesses gain highly skilled employees.
To anyone who is thinking about participating in an apprenticeship program, I can tell you it is a great decision. From day one, an apprenticeship is a group of people who are cheering you on and providing you with everything you need to be successful. And I forgot to mention that you are guaranteed a job upon completion. Take the chance. You will not regret it!
Melissa Garris, Columbus McKinnon apprentice
Benefits of Apprenticeships for Students
Income, career advancement, and minimal debt. These are just some of the benefits of apprenticeships for students.
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EARN MONEY IMMEDIATELY
As an apprentice, you’ll earn a wage from day one, and your earnings will increase as you gain skills and experience.
Get Ahead
You’ll be prepared to advance
The combination of hands-on experience and classroom instruction prepares apprentices for advanced positions in their field.
Minimal Debt
Little to no education costs
Because apprenticeships are typically employer-sponsored, apprentices often incur little to no educational debt.
Experience
You’ll learn while doing
Apprentices work under the guidance of experienced mentors, learning practical skills in a real-world environment. Plus, apprentices earn college credits that can be applied toward a diploma or degree.
Credentials
Improve your employability
Upon successful completion, apprentices earn industry-recognized credentials.
Options
Apprenticeships are available in multiple industries
We have apprenticeship programs in industrial maintenance, machining, electrical systems, quality assurance, and process improvement.
Our company would be in a mess without the apprenticeship program. It has been a tremendous success for our company. The company invests a lot in its apprentices, but it is well worth it. For one thing, the program builds loyalty to the company.
Chris Wallace, Greiner Bio-One North America Apprenticeship Supervisor
Benefits of Apprenticeships for Employers
For employers, apprenticeships are a smart way to build customized, long-term talent solutions.
Skilled Workforce
Apprenticeships are Tailored to Your Needs
Apprenticeships are customized to fit the needs of both students and employers. Students get hands-on education and experience, while employers build a pipeline of skilled labor.
Retention
Apprenticeships enhance efficiency
Apprenticeships often lead to higher employee loyalty and retention.
Productivity
Apprenticeships enhance efficiency
Trained apprenticeships contribute to higher productivity.
Quality & Diversity
Apprenticeships increase quality
Trained apprenticeships know how to do the job – and do it well. Apprenticeships are also a great tool for recruiting diverse employees.
Workforce Development
Apprenticeships close skills gaps
Apprenticeships contribute to workforce development by providing high-quality training and addressing skills gaps.
Grow & Invest
Show you’re committed to your community
An apprenticeship is a great way for companies to build their talent pipelines and to deepen their connections to their community.
High School Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Earn college credits and get paid while in high school! As a pre-apprentice, you’ll take high school classes in the morning and spend your afternoons earning college credits and gaining valuable job experience at a partner company. Get paid for your work and build the technical skills needed to excel in your chosen field, while laying the groundwork for potential advancement into a registered apprenticeship program after graduation.
How It Works
In the pre-apprenticeship program, you’ll learn through hands-on training to develop technical skills in your field. Through the pre-apprenticeship program, you will:
- Take morning classes at high school. Split your afternoon between classes at the College and potentially working at Greiner Bio-One, or another partner company.
- Fall classes begin in mid-August.
- Receive high school credit for your South Piedmont courses.
- Take advantage of the potential opportunity to be selected for the Registered Apprenticeship Program after your high school graduation. To qualify, you must have a minimum 2.8 GPA at graduation to be considered.
Coursework
Pre-apprenticeship coursework is designed to work with degree programs. Some of the coursework may include:
- Industry Safety
- Print Reading
- DC/AC Electricity
- Hydraulics/Pneumatics
- Introduction to PLC
Qualifications
To qualify for the pre-apprenticeship program, you must:
- Be a rising high school senior
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Have enough high school credits to fit South Piedmont courses into your senior schedule
- Be able to attend a 3-4 week summer program
Apprenticeship FAQ
A registered apprenticeship is a formal training program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, designed to produce highly skilled workers. These programs are approved and overseen by our director of Apprenticeships & Work-Based Learning, ensuring that they meet specific standards for quality and rigor.
A pre-apprenticeship is a program designed to prepare high school students for entry into a registered apprenticeship program. It serves as a stepping stone, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in an apprenticeship and ultimately in any skilled trade or profession.
No, you do not have to be a student at South Piedmont Community College to participate in an apprenticeship. Our employee partners will sponsor you to take courses with us that will lead to a degree or a certification. The costs are absorbed by your employer.
YES!
Your employer will provide you with the flexibility to attend classes at South Piedmont during the day, evenings, or weekends. Thanks to South Piedmont’s variety of scheduling options, you can easily fit your studies into your schedule without disrupting your work commitments. Employers can rest assured that their employees will maintain their expected work hours while advancing their education.
At South Piedmont Community College, we are invested in your success. We are with you throughout the entire process, from the start, during, and after, providing counseling, guidance, and mentorship.