CFCC expands apprenticeship program with eight new career pathways
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Community College is expanding its apprenticeship program, adding eight new career pathways to help students gain hands-on experience while addressing workforce needs in the Cape Fear region.
The expansion includes five new pre-apprenticeship pathways and three registered apprenticeship pathways, bringing the college’s total offerings to 16 pre-apprenticeship and 19 registered apprenticeship pathways.
The five new pre-apprenticeship pathways are:
- Automotive Technician
- Carpenter
- Early Childhood Educator
- Electrical Assistant
- EV Service and Repair
The three new registered apprenticeship pathways are:
- Automotive Collision, Repair, and Refinishing Technology
- Carpentry/Construction Management
- Survey Technician/Geomatics
The expansion follows the addition of CFCC’s Certified Nursing Assistant registered apprenticeship pathway earlier this year.
According to the college, CFCC currently partners with 135 employers, including 20 new employer partners added since May.
“Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful ways we can connect education with opportunity,” said Joel Sackett, director of apprenticeships at CFCC. “Apprentices earn while they learn, gain valuable hands-on experience, and develop the skills employers need, while our industry partners have an opportunity to build a skilled workforce right here in our community.”
Registered apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with paid, structured on-the-job training and typically last between one and four years.
Pre-apprenticeships focus on academic coursework, preparing students to transition into registered apprenticeship programs and skilled careers.
CFCC President Jim Morton said the expansion is designed to respond to workforce demands while creating additional career opportunities for students.
“Expanding these pathways is about responding directly to the needs of our students, our employers, and our region,” said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “By working alongside industry, we are creating opportunities for our students to build successful careers while giving employers access to the talent they need to grow.”
The college says it will continue pursuing additional employer partnerships to support workforce development throughout the region.
For more information about available programs, visit CFCC’s apprenticeship programs website.
