Governor Roy Cooper announced that the North Carolina Business Committee of Education (NCBCE) has been awarded $4 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to enhance and expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) across the state. This funding, part of a $195 million initiative by the Biden-Harris administration through the Apprenticeship Building America program, aims to create new career pathways for high school students in high-demand industries.
The NCBCE’s NC Career Launch program will use the grant to develop a statewide youth apprenticeship system, focusing on key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, early childhood education, healthcare, and information technology/cybersecurity. The initiative will provide high school students with the opportunity to engage in paid work-based learning, classroom instruction, and mentorship, leading to industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary education without the burden of student debt.
“For five years in a row, North Carolina has been ranked a top destination for business thanks to our highly-skilled and diverse workforce,” said Governor Cooper. “NC Career Launch will continue to strengthen our already great public schools and workforce training programs by providing new pathways for high school students to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
The NC Career Launch program is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering a seamless transition from high school to Registered Apprenticeship Programs and further education. Students will receive instruction through Career and Technical Education (CTE) or dual enrollment at local community colleges. Upon completing high school, they can continue into a RAP and complete their community college degree at no cost, thanks to the NC Apprenticeship Tuition Waiver.
NCBCE Chair Leslie Walden of Fidelity Investments emphasized the program's potential impact, stating, “NC Career Launch is positioned to put thousands of students on a path toward great careers with sustaining incomes by combining hands-on apprenticeship experience with educational opportunities beyond high school.”
The program also aims to address equity gaps in apprenticeship opportunities, providing support services for students facing challenges such as transportation and testing fees. Additionally, NC Career Launch will pilot RAP pathways specifically tailored for students with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities.
Industry leaders have expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the value of apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce. Julia Wright, Manager of External Affairs for Dominion Energy and NCBCE Vice-Chair, highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “NCBCE is at the forefront of workforce readiness in North Carolina and is poised to make a tremendous impact thanks to this funding.”
Google’s Lilyn Hester, Head of External Affairs and Government Relations - Southeast, echoed these sentiments, noting that the investment in apprenticeships will not only benefit workers but also help employers build a diverse and skilled workforce.
As North Carolina continues to grow as a business hub, the NC Career Launch program is set to play a crucial role in preparing the state’s youth for the careers of the future, ensuring that they have the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
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