Employers: Establish an apprenticeship with RCC, receive $2000 per eligible apprentice, per year

Apprenticeship builds business and it may even be the best kept secret in the U.S. economy.  

That’s why Robeson Community College has launched a campaign to raise awareness about apprenticeships and the benefits it brings.

“Apprenticeship programs allow employers to recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce which grows and sustains their business,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “As the employer, you can create flexible training options that ensure workers develop the right skills and increase the retention of your employees, during and following the apprenticeship.”

Apprentices seek to learn from experts in the field, filling roles in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, information technologies, public safety, industry, and business.

As a business, you may wonder what the benefits are of establishing an apprenticeship?

• Registered apprenticeship pays dividends.
• The average registered apprenticeship program in North Carolina yields a 170% return on investment for the employer.
• 85% of employers with established apprenticeship programs believe the program has provided a net financial benefit for their business.
• 63% of employers stated in a survey that apprentices create more value than comparable off-the-street hires.

There’s also money available to assist in establishing an apprenticeship.

Effective July 1, for each eligible apprentice hired through a registered apprenticeship program with Robeson Community College, employers will receive $2000 per year for onboarding and training, thanks to funding provided by the General Assembly for Apprenticeship Expansion (Session Law 2021-180 Section 6.14)

These funds will be dispersed directly from the college to the employer.

What qualifies as an eligible apprentice?

• You must be a small business within a Tier I or Tier 2 county in sectors with high demand careers and have no more than 500 employees.
  • Counties within a one-hour radius of Robeson Community College that qualify for these funds include Robeson, Columbus, Bladen, Scotland, Richmond, Cumberland, Sampson, Hoke, Duplin, Harnette, Lee, Anson, and Montgomery.
  • High Demand careers sectors include jobs in computer and mathematical; architecture and engineering; education; healthcare technicians; healthcare support; protective service; food preparation and service; office and administrative support; construction and extraction; installation, maintenance, and repairs; production; and transportation.
• The apprentice hired must be a new apprentice aged 16-25.
• Employers will receive a 50% reimbursement for hourly wages, up to $15 per hour for non-high school apprentices and up to $14 per hour for high schoolers hired.
• Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.

In addition to employer incentives, apprentices receive up to $2500 per year to cover tuition, books, and fees.

“Apprenticeships are a ‘win-win’ for businesses and students,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. “We are ready to assist you. Let’s get started on building the future workforce of tomorrow, today.”

For more information on apprenticeships, please contact Patrick Jacques pjacques@robeson.edu, or 910-272-3304 or visit our website at www.robeson.edu/apprenticeshipnc.