An apprenticeship is a program that trains a worker to become skilled in a particular trade. Apprenticeships combine hands-on work with classroom learning to provide a complete set of skills that enables the apprentice to quickly enter the workforce.
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the Golden LEAF Foundation has compiled a few examples of successful apprenticeship projects funded in the past couple of years. Click the links below to learn more about some of the apprenticeship programs funded by the Foundation.
- Guilford County apprenticeship program recruits high school students into local manufacturing jobs
The Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) program recruits high school juniors and seniors to boost them into careers while earning a college degree at Guilford Technical Community College. Participants in the program receive a free college education and earn a paycheck through an apprenticeship at one of the partnering manufacturing companies. Golden LEAF awarded $650,000 to Guilford Technical Community College through the Community-Based Grants Initiative to help expand the college’s machining programs. - Rockingham County Schools begin machining classes to build a pipeline of advanced manufacturing workers
The Rockingham County Schools Manual Machining program enhances the pipeline of students who are able to gain work-based experience through participation in the Rockingham County Apprenticeship and Technical Opportunities (RockATOP) apprenticeship. The program allows students to finish high school, earn college credit, and participate in apprenticeship programs. Golden LEAF awarded $200,000 to Rockingham County Schools to purchase five lathes and five milling machines for its Manual Machining program. - K-64 program connects Catawba County students to local careers
The K-64 program introduces students to machine shop safety, measuring tools, lathes, drilling machines, saws, milling machines, bench grinders, and layout instruments and offers apprenticeship opportunities. Golden LEAF awarded $135,000 to Catawba Valley Community College to support salaries for new business liaisons for the K-64 program. The liaisons engage local businesses in identifying pathways for students that align with local workforce needs. - Next Generation Career Academy connecting Surry County high school students to local industry careers
The Next Generation Career Academy provides students access to career pathways targeting advanced manufacturing, health sciences, agriculture and other trade/industry employment sectors. The pathways offered by the Next Generation Career Academy include virtual courses, college and career counseling, and connections to local industry internships and apprenticeships. Golden LEAF awarded $320,046 to Surry County Schools to establish this program.