In an effort to prepare North Carolina’s youth for future careers, over 500 high school students have successfully taken part in this year’s summer pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship academies, as reported by Governor Josh Stein. These academies, organized by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), are centered on hands-on learning in fields such as electrical trades, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, biotechnology, and health care.
Funded by a grant from the US Department of Labor, the NC Career Launch initiative is the driving force behind these programs. Since its inception, the initiative has facilitated the completion of youth apprenticeships for 1,067 students across 48 counties, collaborating with more than 165 employers statewide.
Expanding Career Paths
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of these apprenticeships, noting that they offer vital opportunities for students to earn and learn in sectors with significant demand. “This milestone is only the beginning as we continue opening doors of opportunity for North Carolina’s future leaders,” he stated.
Julia Wright, Chair of NCBCE, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between employers and educational leaders in North Carolina: “For more than 40 years, NCBCE has brought North Carolina’s employers and education leaders together to put career-connected learning to work, and summer academies are where that partnership becomes concrete.”
Careers Electric Initiative
The Careers Electric Summer Academies, a new venture by NCBCE, are creating pathways into the electrical and energy sectors. The BlackRock Foundation has recognized this initiative as part of its BlackRock Future Builders Inaugural Cohort, a distinction awarded to only 15 initiatives from over 1,000 submissions nationwide.
During its first year, 220 students engaged in intensive pre-apprenticeship programs, which included community college courses and industry-recognized credentials. This effort was supported by the Siemens Foundation and various educational and industry partners spread across 12 communities. The BlackRock Foundation’s $1 million grant will help expand these academies, particularly in eastern North Carolina, addressing critical workforce needs.
Broader Educational Initiatives
Other noteworthy programs include the Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) initiative, backed by the Smithfield Foundation, which completed its third year. This summer, 64 students participated in Advanced Manufacturing and Agriculture academies, gaining college credits and practical experience.
Additionally, the NC Career Launch initiative hosted a BioWork pre-apprenticeship for students on the autism spectrum, in collaboration with Johnston and Durham Technical Community Colleges. This program provided 13 students with the skills necessary for careers in biotechnology and related fields.
Addressing Workforce Shortages
Alongside these educational efforts, NCBCE is working to develop health care apprenticeships to meet workforce shortages. Supporting these initiatives, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation collaborates with employers to enhance nursing talent recruitment and training. More than 400 individuals have completed nursing apprenticeships over the past year.
A pioneering move, the STEP-NC program, marked the state government’s first registered health care apprenticeship, focusing on training in behavioral health and maintenance technician pathways, among others.
Future Plans and Investments
Governor Stein continues to advocate for apprenticeship models, aiming to double the state’s apprenticeship numbers through strategic investments and partnerships. The recent state budget reflects this commitment, with significant funding directed towards workforce development and community colleges.
For more information about NCBCE and its initiatives, visit the North Carolina Business Committee for Education website.
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