Apprenticeships & Certificate Programs


  • NCTAP - The North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP) www.nctap.org offers apprenticeships and free college for high school juniors and seniors. This work/study program is geared for students who have mechanical and mathematics aptitude. This is a highly competitive program, so applicants need to be self-motivated and willing to go the distance in the application process. If the student successfully completes the pre-apprenticeship program in high school, they work full-time as an apprentice for one of the sponsoring companies while earning an all expense paid Associates degree at Wake Technical Community College.

    Wake Forest Inspections
    Building Inspection apprenticeships are available. Ideal for students interested in construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. See this flier for apprenticeship and career opportunities. No college degree needed.

    Durham Tech’s Lineworker Program is 10-16 weeks of training at almost no cost to the students as a Pre-Apprentice! You can be hired immediately after graduation from this program at a starting salary around $40,000.
    For more information, visit:
    Durham Tech

    Check out Durham Tech's Guided Career Pathways located HERE

    Duke University School of Medicine OpTech Program
    A 1 year certificate program for a career in eye care. 
    Ophthalmic Technicians (OpTechs) work closely with ophthalmologists, who are specialty eye doctors, to assist in caring for patients with eye diseases or injuries. An OpTech holds many important roles in ophthalmology practice to prepare a patient to see their eye doctor. Click HERE for more information.

    • No college degree or prerequisites required!
    • 9 months of clinical rotations at Duke Eye Center
    • Starting pay is $22-24 per hour.
    • 90% employment rate after program completion
    • Affordable tuition
    • Financial aid available

    website: dukeeyecenter.duke.edu/optech

    Youth Technology Apprenticeship Cohorts
    Introducing high school students to career pathways and offering real world experience WHILE EARNING MONEY. Play, learn, build and compete! We teach esports, game design, and entrepreneurship to students ages 13-18. YTAC runs continuously throughout the year. We offer multiple sessions for students to join in the spring, summer, and fall. This is a totally virtual program. Students are welcome to join any time before the cohort begins if they would like to participate. The program is three weeks long, completely free for all students. For more information and to sign up, visit our website stiegleredtech.org/ytac
    See flier HERE for details. Learn more about click HERE.
    Contact: 
    Adalia Thao

    adalia.thao16@gmail.com

    DPR Construction
    DPR Construction is looking for seniors that would be interested in Paid Apprenticeships this summer.  No experience needed.  Just a desire to work in the construction industry. DPR has an Apprenticeship program that provides instruction and training.  
    ​Contact: Bill Whittaker

    (919) 356-5127
    billwh@dpr.com

    Code Electric
    Many career path options: Field, Design, Precon, and Management.
    See flyer for more details HERE.

    HCL Technologies Apprenticeship Program
    HCL Technologies, a technology company with over 20,000 employees in the US and 197,000 employees worldwide, is introducing their Apprenticeship program to the Wake County area. The full-time paid Apprenticeship program offers students an opportunity to learn on the job and prepare for a long-term career in the Information Technology field .  After successful completion of the HCL apprenticeship program, the apprentices will become full-time employees, and tuition assistance will be available for their continued growth. Click HERE to find out more about HCL and how the program works. See flyer HERE for information about the job.

    See flyer HERE for more information!

    Caterpillar Clayton Apprenticeship Program
    Collaboration between Caterpillar and Johnston County Community College for graduating seniors. 
    Caterpillar will be recruiting for several open positions in our apprenticeship program, for individuals to join our program in June.  This program is open to high school graduates who are interested in working part-time with Caterpillar while achieving their Associates Degree in Applied Engineering at Johnston Community College (JCC).

    See flyer HERE for more information.

    ThinkBig  - A Caterpillar Dealership Academy  sponsored locally by Gregory Poole Equipment Company.  This work/study program provides high school graduates a college degree and direct work experience. ThinkBig is a two year program that combines both classroom and hands-on learning. Students attend Florence-Darling Technical College to earn an Associates degree in Applied Science with a major in Caterpillar Service Technology. Students are get hands on experience while being trained as service technicians for Caterpillar machinery. To learn more about this program, please visit this link. 

    UNC Health Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program (MAAP)
    See this link for the details.

    Participants must be 18 and a high school graduate. The current application for our 2nd cohort is closed. We will likely repost the application for our third cohort in the new year for hires to start in March – May. If a current high school student wants to apply and they are graduating in the next couple months, I would encourage them to include their graduation date in their resume and they​ would be eligible to start following graduation. 

    Wake Emergency Medical Services Certification Program
    Become a paramedic with Wake County EMS. Register to attend an information session and complete an EMT course before you graduate! Start earning over $15/hour after high school graduation. No student loan debt. Click HERE for EMT course information. To see the earning potential click HERE. See HERE for a FAQ about the program and sign up for monthly information sessions.

    Please direct questions related to the EMT program and application to Carissa Lewis.Carissa.Lewis@Wake.Gov  984.268.0194 

    Biotility Applied Biotech Training

    Offers short courses to earn a certificate to prepare students to become a Biotechnician Assistant in the Bioscience industry. Visit the website  for more information.

    Woodworking Apprentice
    Looking for both full and part-time help at our growing company that is set for expansion.  Position could evolve into a management opportunity for the right candidates.  You'll start as an artisan apprentice where you will learn how to create custom furniture, fixtures, gifts, and décor from whiskey barrels.  It is truly a unique craft and you won't be working on the same project or doing the same thing every day. We will teach you as much as you can handle.  If you are not yet 18, you will start at $8.25/hour but should earn your first raise within 90 days.  Candidates over 18 will start at $10/hour and should graduate the apprentice program in 90 days.  Upon successful competition, of the apprentice program, you will be promoted to an Artisan position and get a pay increase to $15/hour with benefits like paid time off, profit sharing, 401k match, etc.   www.thewhiskeyworkshop.com

    Requirements: 

    • Must have reliable transportation to work
    • Speak English
    • Capable of lifting 40lbs
    • Able to stand for extended periods of time
    • At least 16 years old
    • Have or be willing to setup a checking account for direct deposit

    Preferred:

    • Basic woodworking and tool knowledge
    • 18 years old

    Possible job tasks

    • Using various woodworking tools- sanders, drills, saws, etc.
    • Using HVLP spray equipment
    • Using CNC cutter
    • Using Laser engraver
    • Preparing shipments

    Contact:
    919-435-0008
    Donovan.Lee@thewhiskeyworkshop.com

    Lowes Home Improvement Track to the Trades Program
    Lowes has a program to assist you in learning a trade. Areas include: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and appliance repair. See flyer HERE for details!

    IBM Apprenticeships
    Interested in IT? Look into this senior year after graduation!
    ​Link HERE.

    NCRAW Pre-Apprenticeship Program
    6 week summer program for ages 16-24 that introduces you to water and career pathways in wastewater. 
    By participating in the pre-apprenticeship, you will gain direct entry into the NCRWA Water and Wastewater Systems Operations Specialist Registered Apprenticeship program upon successful completion of the 6-week pre-apprenticeship program, completion of a high school diploma or equivalency and are 18 years old. See website HERE for more details!

    The Beautiful Project Apprenticeship
    This paid virtual experience is designed for black girls ages 14-18 who live or attend school in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or Cary) of North Carolina. 

    Eligibility

    • Live and/or go to school in the Triangle
    • Ages 14-18
    • Identify as a black girl/young woman
    • Desire to positively impact black girls through narrative-based work
    • Regular access to a stable internet connection (laptop will be provided if needed)

    For more information about this opportunity, click here: Arts & Activism Youth Apprenticeship Info Page
    Website: www.thebeautifulproject.org/

    Glaxo-Smith Kline

    Calling all high school seniors and graduates! Join us to learn why GSK’s Apprentice Program is the right program for you!
    GSK Apprenticeships are full-time entry-level opportunities that offer high school graduates and first year college students the opportunity to begin their career while working towards their Associate’s degree. This Associate’s degree is fully funded by GSK, which, yes, means NO COLLEGE DEBT! 
    GSK Apprenticeships are unique because they lead to:

    • Building technical skills through a tailored entry-level development program, working with industry professionals
    • Earning an Associate’s degree at GSK’s partnering community college, DEBT FREE
    • Receiving an industry-recognized “Certificate of Completion” training credential from the U.S. Department of Labor upon completion of GSK’s Apprentice Program - a portable certificate of competency
    • Participating in a unique personal development program, connecting with apprentices across the US and the world
    • Being part of an inclusive organization that fosters individual empowerment and builds trust

    Offering apprenticeships in:

    • Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
    • Supply Chain
    • BioChem Lab Analyst
    • Automation
    • Engineering 

    See our flyer HERE for more information or visit  our website.


    North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP)
    NCTAP is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a full-time apprenticeship in one of several local advanced manufacturing companies. The participating companies offer apprenticeships and free college degrees! Juniors and seniors may apply. Check out the NCTAP website for more information including dates for open house visits by parents and students: www.nctap.org
    This program is not affiliated with WCPSS, the information is provided as a courtesy to students.
    Watch a video featuring Daniel Benson, an HHS alumni who participated in NCTAP HERE.
    Watch NCTAP Video HERE.


    Wake Tech Apprenticeships
    An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. Hands-on and theoretical training prepares workers for highly skilled and specialized occupations. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by the individual employer and/or employer associations, or by joint employer and labor groups. Participants should be employed full time by an apprenticeship sponsor while still attending classes. 

    Receive Nationally-Recognized Credentials!
    Students who successfully complete the Contren® Learning Series through an accredited training sponsor will receive industry-recognized credentials. Students completing coursework combined with on-the-job training through a registered apprenticeship program will receive Journeyman credentials. 

    • Carpentry Apprenticeship
    • Electrical Apprenticeship
    • HVAC Apprenticeship
    • Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship
    • Welding Apprenticeship

    ​Learn more at the Wake Tech website: www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/wakeworks/orientation
    Anyone interested in becoming an apprentice must first be employed by an apprenticeship sponsor. A list of companies currently associated with the WTCC apprenticeship program include:

    Wake Tech Carpentry Apprenticeships
    DPR Construction**
    2000 Aerial Center Parkway, Suite 118
    Morrisville, NC 27560
    Contact: Chuck Haskett
    919-337-9400


    Wake Tech Electrical Apprenticeships
    The following is a list of companies in the area that have Registered Electrical Apprenticeship Programs.

    Danco Electrical Contractors, Inc.**
    890 Park Avenue
    Youngsville, NC
    Contact: Missy Dodrill
    919-730-3156

    L.L. Vann Electric, Inc.**
    833 Purser Drive
    Raleigh, NC 27603
    Contact: Teresa Diaz
    919-772-2567

    EIG (DPR Construction)**
    2000 Aerial Center Parkway, Suite 118
    Morrisville, NC 27560
    Contact: Alyssa Fenty
    919-257-0430​


    Wake Tech Plumbing and Pipefitting, and Welding Apprenticeships
    The Plumbing and Pipefitting and the Welding Apprenticeship programs are offered in cooperation with Mechanical Trades Carolina, Union Local 421 (MTC)**.  To gain admission to these programs, qualified candidates should apply to Diane Hendricks, the Career Coordinator for Mechanical Trades Carolina, at 843-554-3655.  
    Completion of the CRC Exam with a minimum score of Bronze Level in all 3 Sections is a requirement for admission to the Plumbing and Pipefitting, and Welding Apprenticeship Programs.


    ​LJ Electric**
    809 Mount Vernon Rd, Suite 103
    Raleigh, NC 27607
    Contact: Michelle Whitfield
    Phone 252-520-7592

    Moonlite Electric & Construction, Inc.**
    104 Woodwinds Industrial Court
    Cary, NC 27511
    Contact: Jeannette Sites
    919-468-8347 


    Wake Tech HVAC Apprenticeships
    Newcomb and Company**
    3000 Comfort Court
    Raleigh, NC 27604
    Contact: Ronnie Dempsey
    919-862-3000  ​

    **Wake Tech does not guarantee job placement with any of these companies.  This list is provided as a courtesy for individuals who would like to contact employers about potential employment and/or apprenticeship opportunities.

    Pro Trades Pay Well
    Apprenticeship program for 18 years olds with a high school diploma. Offering: Welding, Pipefitting, HVAC and Plumbing. See this flyer for more information.
    Website: protradespaywell.com/

    North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
    North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is pleased to invite students to participate in a four-week residential summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors. In addition to the benefits of these scholarly activities, students will receive a stipend of $200 upon completion of the summer program and a $800 participation scholarship when they enroll at N.C. A&T in one of the many CAES programs.

    • Gain first-hand experience in research conducted under the direction of the CAES research scientists.
    • Conduct research projects ranging from animal sciences, biological engineering, pesticide studies, biotechnology, and horticulture to air quality, food and nutrition and international trade.
    • Gain exposure to a number of structured activities, including field trips, workshops and laboratory demonstrations, and instruction in computer applications, technical and scientific writing and public speaking.​

    For more information, visit:
    www.ncat.edu/caes/agresearch/rap.html


    Heavy Equipment & Transport Technology Department at Wake Technical Community College
    The Heavy Equipment & Transport Technology Department at Wake Technical Community College is excited to offer a one-year Forklift Technician Diploma Program that is partnered with Carolina Handling, Carson Material Handling, Crown, G&W Equipment, Gregory Poole Lift Systems, and Southeast Industrial Equipment.

    The partnering forklift dealers sponsor students in the program, who attend classes on Monday and Tuesday during the Fall, Spring and a Summer Semesters and work for the sponsoring dealer on Wednesday through Friday – and possibly Saturday – while in school. The students would earn a fair hourly wage while working at the dealership and, upon graduation, would be entitled to tuition and textbook reimbursement, based on their dealer sponsorship contract. A tool program incentive also may be available.

    The program prepares students to become forklift technicians who can service, troubleshoot, and repair various types of lift trucks in the material handling industry. Diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric machines are covered in detail, and the program consists of electrical, hydraulic, engine and powertrain courses, to name a few.

    Coursework will include transportation systems theory, braking systems, design parameters, drivetrains, electrical/electronic systems, engine repair, engine performance, environmental regulations, materials, product finish, safety, steering/suspension, transmission/transaxles and sustainable transportation.

    Graduates of this Forklift Program should be prepared to take professional licensure exams, which correspond to certain programs of study, and to enter careers as entry-level technicians in the forklift industry.
    This is a one-year, hands-on program where students will be in the classroom Monday and Tuesday and working in our shop Wednesday through Friday. It’s geared toward students and future employees that learn best in a hands-on environment. 
    For their participation, we are offering students:

    • Fully paid tuition and textbooks
    • Uniforms (to be worn in class and while working in the shop)
    • A tool set – the tools will be their own after one year of employment following successful completion of the program
    • $19.00/hour while working in our shops

    Click this link to apply.

    Resource:
    Learn more about how apprenticeships work by visiting Apprenticeship NC
    See a list of apprenticeships in NC HERE and apply.