Meeting Growing Workforce Needs in the Roanoke Region
Virginia Western Community College supports apprenticeships as a training provider and an intermediary to expand and support Registered Apprenticeships in the region. VWCC was one of 66 colleges across the nation awarded the Expanding Community College Apprenticeships initiative grant, led by the American Association of Community Colleges with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor to increase the number of apprentice programs and services throughout the country.
Industries of focus include:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Machining, Mechatronics Fundamentals, Engineering, Mechatronics, and Maintenance Technology
- Building and Trades: HVAC, Automotive, Building Trades Technology, Construction Management, Welding and Metal Processing, Electrical Wiring, and Heavy Equipment Operator
- Healthcare: Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nurse Aide, and Certified Medical Assistant
- Information Technology: Information Systems Technology and Support, Cyber Security, Network Administration, Database and Program Developer, and Visual Design
- Non-Traditional Apprenticeship Occupations: Early Childhood Development
What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. It includes:
- Paid Job – Apprentices are paid employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employers’ needs.
- On-the-Job Learning– Develops skilled workers through structured learning in a work setting.
- Classroom Learning – Improves job-related skills through education in a classroom setting (virtual or in-person).
- Mentorship – Provides apprentices with the support of a skilled worker to assist and enhance critical hands-on learning.
- Credentials – Offers a portable, nationally-recognized credential to be issued at the completion of the program.
Apprenticeships are great opportunities for students and employers. Students can immediately begin their full-time careers, and employers improve their prospects for profitability and growth.
Apprenticeships can be customized to meet the needs of any business. Apprentices can be new hires, or businesses can select current employees who need skill upgrades to join the apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship model is leading the way in preparing American workers to compete in today’s economy.
Employers
Benefits for Employers
- Customized Training Designed to Meet Standards and Needs
- Better Skilled and Credentialed Workforce
- Access to a New and Diverse Talent Pipeline
- Upskill Current Workforce
- Increased Retention Rates -Average 91% Retention Rate for Apprentices After Completion
- Potential Tax Incentives and State or Local Funding
- Increased Knowledge Transfer from Experienced Mentors
Support and Services
The Hall Associates Career Center at Virginia Western can work with your business by providing customized services for new and pre-existing registered apprenticeship programs. Many services are at no cost and can help you build, improve, or expand an apprenticeship program. Virginia Western supports prospective and current register apprenticeship program sponsors with:
- Apprenticeship Development Assistance
- Related Technical Instruction Aligned to Competencies
- Apprentice Candidate Recruiting
- Referrals to Funding Support Resources
- Apprentice Supervisor and Mentor Training
- Connection to Customized Contract Training
Contact the Hall Associates Career Center at 540-857-7298 or careercenter@virginiawestern.edu for more information.
Students
Benefits for Students
- Earn While You Learn with Paid on-the-Job Training
- Customized, Hands-on Career Training
- Obtain Industry-aligned Education
- Gain Portable, Stackable Credentials and Skills
- Secure Gainful & Sustainable Employment
- Higher Wages and Career Advancement Opportunities
- Earn a National Credential
How Apprenticeship Works
Apprenticeship is not just a job – it’s a career! It combines paid supervised, structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Students are sponsored, hired, and trained on-the-job by employers and, as apprentices, can attend related classroom instruction at VWCC. Apprentices start working when they enter an apprenticeship, with steady wage increases as they become more proficient.
Support and Services
The Hall Associates Career Center can help students determine if an apprenticeship is an appropriate pathway and prepare for opportunities by providing:
- Career and Apprenticeship Advising
- Workplace Readiness Skills
- Connections to Employers with Registered Apprenticeship
Contact the Hall Associates Career Center at 540-857-7298 or careercenter@virginiawestern.edu for more information.
VWCC serves as a connector for employers, students and alumni, workforce and community resources, and the VA Department of Labor and Industry’s Apprenticeship Consultant. Learn more by contacting the Hall Associates Career Center at 540-857-7298 or careercenter@virginiawestern.edu.
