VGCC joins national apprenticeship consortium

Vance-Granville Community College recently continued its initiative to promote apprenticeships in the region by joining the (RACC).

The RACC is composed of employers, labor-management groups and associations that have Registered Apprenticeship programs (known as sponsors), along with two-year and four-year colleges. The consortium, launched in 2014, is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. The primary purpose of the RACC is to help graduates of registered apprenticeship programs receive college credit for their apprenticeship training through strong partnerships between businesses and educational institutions.

“Membership in the RACC will help VGCC better provide resources and assistance to our service area partners in developing high-quality locally-grown talent,” said Ken Wilson, project manager for the TechHire grant at the college.

VGCC is one of eight colleges in North Carolina that have joined the consortium.

“Apprenticeship programs have been around for centuries and are experiencing a resurgence in importance and focus as a means to address skills gaps between the requirements of jobs and local workforce talent, particularly in advanced manufacturing,” Wilson said. “This year’s state budget allocated funding for apprenticeship students to enroll and attend classes free of charge. Additional support is in the works with other state and federal initiatives.”

In addition to the RACC, Vance-Granville is also a member of the (NCTAP), a four-year program that leads to a student obtaining an associate degree at the community college and paid, on-the-job training at the participating manufacturer.

Employers interested in partnering with VGCC on apprenticeships are encouraged to contact Ken Wilson at wilsonk@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3259 for more information.