Apprenticeship (Fast Track) | Bismarck State College

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Apprenticeship (Fast Track)

A Unique Workforce Solution

Apprenticeship is a unique workforce solution for both employers and job seekers/workers. Through an earn-while-you-learn model, apprenticeships allow individuals to grow into their profession while learning the skills needed to succeed in a high-demand, highly-skilled career, all while getting paid!

Flexible Program Design

Time-based programs, competency-based programs, hybrid approachApprenticeships can be customized to meet the needs of every business. You can choose a time-based program where workers complete a specific number of hours or a competency-based program, or where workers demonstrate skills through proficiency testing or a hybrid program with the best of both models.

Every program includes structured on-the-job training and related training and instruction.

Related Training and Instruction: This instruction complements on-the-job learning. This instruction delivers the technical, workforce, and academic competencies that apply to the job. BSC collaborates with businesses to develop the curriculum based on the skills and knowledge needed by the apprentice.

On-the-Job Training: Every program includes structured on-the-job training. Apprentices get hands-on training from an experienced mentor at the job site for typically not less than one year. On-the-job training is developed through mapping the skills and knowledge that the apprentice must learn over the course of the program in order to be fully proficient at the job.

Not Just for Skilled Trades

Nationwide, there are apprenticeship programs in more than 1,000 occupations, including jobs in health care, energy, information technology, transportation, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, as well as the building trades. Apprentices can be new hires – or current employees. Apprenticeships are a good way to reward high-performing entry-level employees and move them up the career ladder within the business. More than 500,000 apprentices participate in Registered Apprenticeship programs across the country.
 

Available Career Pathways

Man teaching college student how to use technology.Apprenticeships cover a wide range of occupations for companies small and large. BSC can support the development of apprenticeship programming in the following areas:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Building Trades
  • Construction
  • Cybersecurity and IT
  • Energy
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation

Who Enrolls in Apprenticeship Programs?

Anyone! People start apprenticeships immediately after graduating from high school, veterans leaving active-duty military service, career changers, people whose jobs are being replaced by technology, and current employees looking to advanced themselves.
 

The Role of Business Partners

  • Identify the skills and knowledge that apprentices must learn
  • Hire new workers, or select current employees, to be apprentices
  • Provide on-the-job training
  • Identify an experienced mentor to work with apprentices
  • Pay progressively higher wages as skills increase
  • Can provide related instruction in-house or in partnership with others

The Role of BSC

BSC is a resource to develop an apprenticeship program in collaboration with business and industry:
  • Provide curriculum development for related instruction.
  • Deliver related instruction and training to apprentices in a variety of modalities including face-to-face, online and/or hybrid.
  • Provide opportunities for apprentices to earn college credentials during or after apprenticeship completion.
  • Partner with employers on local, state and federal grants for funding opportunities.
  • Share resources of potential financial aid opportunities for apprentices.