Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Workforce Development department is excited to announce that it will be providing training for pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs. While providing training for these types of programs is a newer focus for the College, NPRC has previously provided training for a plastics molding technician apprenticeship program through the Keystone Community Education Council and training for a tool and die apprenticeship through Betts Industries Inc.
Presently, there are many apprenticeship programs ready to be completed, but there is a shortage of trainers and workers who can help bring these programs to fruition. Recognizing this need, the College has stepped up to assist companies and organizations with training the next generation of workers through these programs. By helping businesses train their apprentices, it will not only help kick-start these programs to be completed, but also help companies gain well-trained employees.
Pre-Apprenticeships
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, pre-apprenticeships are programs that last a few weeks to a few months and are designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) or other job opportunities. Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs are often designed for young professionals to successfully train and support the next generation of workers in a collection of industries and roles. To align with this necessary support, externships will be required through NPRC’s pre-apprenticeships to gain real-world experience that is foundational for success in the work environment.
NPRC’s Director of Workforce Development Andrea Kessler shares, “We are looking to the future for all industries across our footprint and beginning to develop pre-apprenticeships. These are pre-hire training programs that offer state-approved training in the classroom coupled with hands-on skills that earn the learner an industry-recognized credential. Pre-apprenticeships offer a career pathway to learners and connect them to apprenticeships so they can continue their journey toward becoming an expert in their industry. Employers who hire NPRC pre-apprenticeship graduates can expect them to be well prepared.”
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are state-registered training programs through an employer or organizational sponsorship. This means there is no cost to the employee to complete an apprenticeship. The investment by the employer offers them workforce security and upskilling. Apprentices can be identified as pre-hire, displaced, or incumbent workers of the firm that is conducting the program, but at the end, the goal is for the apprentice to join or remain with the company that provided the apprenticeship opportunity.
Apprenticeships are typically one to three years long and include on-the-job training and skill development coupled with classroom learning. Over 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 140 hours of related technical instruction (RTI) is required to successfully complete an apprenticeship program. These programs start by developing entry level skills and progress as the worker masters various duties and skills being asked.
As for apprentices themselves, their pay scale incrementally increases as they meet the pre-determined milestones throughout the program. Essentially, an apprentice “earns to learn.” These workers can expect on-the-job learning, classroom learning, mentorship, and to earn industry recognized credentials that will assist them in their current role and in their overall working careers.
“We need a bridge,” says Kessler. “These are pipelines to jobs. If businesses can create programs, obtain the state funding, and find people who are interested in getting to work, NPRC can help with making sure they are trained to help their business succeed. Having well trained employees should reduce turnover and can be a tool to help recruit more talent in the future.”
For more information about apprenticeship programs, email NPRC’s Workforce Development department at workforcedev@rrcnpa.org.
NPRC acknowledges that the information contained in this content is complete and accurate at time of publication. It is descriptive in nature and the college reserves the right to make any adjustments it deems necessary or desirable. Updates to programs, tuition, or other academic-related items will be reflected in the online College Catalog or on the respective College web pages. Questions regarding accuracy of content may be emailed to marketing@rrcnpa.org.