In fall 2020, Mitchell Community College became an apprenticeship program sponsor, launching Apprenticeship Iredell. It is a partnership between local industries and the college with a common goal of ensuring the demand is met for highly skilled workers in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program marries on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to both learn and earn.

Through Apprenticeship Iredell, apprentices are hired by an industry partner and receive paid on-the-job training while attending Mitchell to earn a selected associate in applied science. As apprentices master skills, there is a set wage increase. At the end of the program, the apprentice earns state and federal certifications as a journeyworker, along with the industry-recognized degree from the college.

“There is a significant need for skilled workers in manufacturing in Iredell County, and this program will allow the college to continue supporting our employer partners as they grow to meet the demands in the field,” said Amanda Rhea, director of educational partnerships at Mitchell.

The program is underway with its first two apprentices employed full time with Doosan Portable Power in Statesville and enrolled in courses at Mitchell, Rhea said. The college also is talking with other potential employer partners to create additional apprenticeship opportunities, she added.

Dr. Camille Reese, vice president for instruction at Mitchell, said that as an apprenticeship sponsor, 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.”

ApprenticeshipNC staff worked with the college to set up and register the program. “The process was straightforward, and we have been delighted with the support ApprenticeshipNC has provided to move this undertaking forward,” Rhea said.