Learning While Earning

Apprenticeships offer an alternate pathway to success for many who are uninspired by the prospect of a long, traditional educational journey. Despite their association with craft professions and trades like construction, plumbing and automotive mechanics, the current registered apprenticeship model is also suitable for modern technical roles such as digital marketer, building automation systems technician and healthcare technician fields such as dental assisting. Apprenticeship programs provide an opportunity to funnel candidates into well-compensated careers without the added strain of debt, because employers provide living wages while they conduct on-the-job training and mentorship. Also, apprenticeships offer an unparalleled opportunity for employers to cultivate employees who understand their unique culture and needs.

A job may seem standard to an outsider, but the best result calls for special attention and problem-solving to meet the business’ needs. Apprenticeships are the best way for an employer to get someone who does exactly what they need.

Wahiba Belakhoua
TCC Coordinator of Apprenticeships

Increasing the percentage of workforce entrants in registered apprenticeships can benefit the revitalization of the middle class by closing the gaps created by middle-skilled workers who are retiring, as well as the middle-skill roles emerging in technological fields and other non-traditional disciplines. The registered apprenticeship model provides the employer with an opportunity to create a custom vocational training program that will address a wide variety of interests and workforce needs. Each program requires a minimum of 144 hours of technical instruction that addresses theoretical knowledge and a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning by the employer.

Registered apprenticeships offer a bridge that connects the employers, potential and incumbent workers and higher education institutions. Labeaud Colbert, CEO of Labeaud LLC, said, “Apprenticeship is a chance for me to create a learning opportunity for my staff and fill a fulltime position.”

Community colleges like TCC are an ideal third-party partner to facilitate the successful implementation of apprenticeship programs because these institutions can offer support to both apprentices and the businesses that employ them. TCC assists its business partners by offering program development services, taking over the administrative aspect of running the apprenticeship program and facilitating the recruitment of qualified individuals from among Its students. Many of the courses at TCC are stackable, which lead to degrees and certificates students can earn over time, resulting in increased marketability for employment plus higher wages. Additionally, the courses required by an apprentice’s employer-sponsored training can be applied towards a TCC certificate. Also important is the value apprentices may find in developing a rapport with instructors who have industry experience.

Recent years have seen the proliferation of fraudulent and meaningless certifications, particularly in digital skills, because of the ease with which people can create seemingly official websites and portals. As accredited educational bodies, community colleges like TCC are uniquely suited to help apprentices evaluate the relative value of any certificate they may earn by keeping an eye to wider industry trends and their familiarity with meaningful accreditation. Additionally, employers can take comfort in knowing the instruction given to the apprentice meets high-quality educational and industry standards.

TCC has a longstanding partnership with Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County, also known as the local workforce board, in addition to area businesses and industry associations. As such, TCC plays an instrumental role in the vitality of the Tarrant County economic landscape.

The TCC Registered Apprenticeship Program is a new initiative for the College, which requires the creative application of the College’s traditional strengths. TCC always strives to be at the forefront of educating and training students and incumbent workers. TCC will continue to aid students and workers through its newest relationship with the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Apprenticeships. “The U. S. Department of Labor has partnered with Tarrant County College to integrate Registered Apprenticeship Programs throughout the College. We are working hard to meet business needs and prepare students/apprentices for successful careers. It has been a great success!” said Kelley Johnson, apprenticeship and training representative, U.S. DOL, Office of Apprenticeship.

TCC currently has apprentice programs in building technologies/construction to include heavy equipment operator; commercial carpenter; building automation systems technician; information technology to include digital marketer; and, automotive technology to include diesel technician.

For more information about TCC’s current apprenticeships or for businesses looking to start their own, please contact the TCC Registered Apprentice Program at apprenticeships@tccd.edu or 817-515-4320.