TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE STARTS TODAY
Registered apprenticeships are training programs in which participants “earn while they learn” and obtain nationally recognized credentials, with tuition costs covered by employers.
What if employees could advance their careers without leaving their jobs or taking on student debt? Jackson College’s expanding apprenticeship programs make that possibility a reality for workers and employers throughout the region. “It’s a way where companies, if they are not finding the talent pool to hire, can grow their workforce from within,” said Amber Collins, director of economic and workforce development. REDEFINING APPRENTICESHIPS Today’s apprentices can come from any of 150,000 registered occupations — it’s not limited to what many think of as traditional skilled trades. When an employer reaches out to the College, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Jennifer Dobbs, can help create an apprenticeship program to meet their workforce needs. The apprentice will take Jackson College classes or workforce training while continuing to work for the employer. The employer often pays for the College courses, sometimes with help from training dollars from Michigan Works or other sources. The employee completes a credential and earns a journey worker’s card from the U.S. Department of Labor. “Essentially, it helps the companies’ retention as well as helps them grow that employee from within; they dedicate resources and invest money toward their growth, and that employee typically stays longer,” Dobbs explained. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE While other providers may offer training, Jackson College brings its full range of support services to help ensure apprenticeship students succeed.
The College custom-tailors the training to fit each company’s needs, so students learn the subject area from the employer’s perspective, technology and systems. Jackson College has an established apprenticeship program with Adrian’s Kapnick Insurance to prepare insurance clerks. “Overall, our apprenticeship program is going fantastic,” said Lydia VanValkenburg, HR Business Partner with Kapnick. “Insurance isn’t a job that many high schoolers are seeking, but it does have longevity and security. This apprenticeship program is opening eyes and doors for the next generation. We’re looking to the future.”
CUSTOM TRAINING TAILORED TO BUSINESS NEEDS
Jackson College is meeting the needs of local business and industry while offering more paths to valuable career credentials, degrees, and rewarding employment. The Corporate and Continuing Education office continues to connect with our community to expand educational and workforce training opportunities.
Student intern Sierra Stull with HR Business Partner Lydia VanValkenburg, Kapnick Insurance
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