VCCS spotlights workforce training innovation during National Apprenticeship Week

By Amanda Christopher, special programs coordinator, VCCS Career Education and Workforce Programs

Virginia's Community College' System Office hosted a webinar Nov. 18 to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. The event brought together secondary, post-secondary, workforce staff, faculty, administrators, and apprenticeship/WBL related positions to discuss strategies for creating and strengthening apprenticeships and workforce partnerships, offering actionable insights and references for attendees to implement at their colleges and institutions.

The event focused on the experience of five of our colleges.

"Having programs that employers are looking for has been critical to the substantial growth of apprenticeship programs at Central Virginia Community College," said Dr. Jason Ferguson, CVCC's Associate Vice President for Professional and Career Studies. Ferguson added there needs to be "a paradigm shift" in how apprenticeships are viewed, adding there are ongoing challenges in aligning class schedules with employers' preferred work schedules for apprentices.

Promoting apprenticeships in rural areas requires positioning employers as community leaders, offering flexible scheduling for remote apprentices, and conducting targeted outreach, said Mountain Gateway Community College Workforce Coach and Apprenticeship Coordinator David Shofstahl. Shofstahl highlighted MGCC's recent apprenticeship expansion, which has boosted employment outcomes and enhanced its skilled trades program. "Relationships with HVAC and electrical trade employers were cultivated over time, with some engaging more actively after a year or more. Establishing these programs also transformed the college's internal culture, strengthened employer relationships, and secured sponsorships, supported by consultants fostering a pro-apprenticeship mindset," he said.

"Apprenticeship programs at Brightpoint Community College have seen growth due to their visibility on the college's website, plus visits to local manufacturing plants to boost collaboration with industry partners," said James Britton, Brightpoint's Apprenticeship Coordinator. Britton also cited critical funding from grants and workforce boards to help program growth. Britton said over time, apprenticeships in skilled trades and pharmaceutical manufacturing have expanded from six to 27, with more than 100 registered apprentices, and plans to launch new apprenticeships in Information Technology in 2025.

Anthony Fontes, Coordinator for Job Skills Training at Tidewater Community College highlighted initiatives like Drive Now, Culinary Arts, Youth Build, and military skill bridge programs, noting the critical role of soft skills and the challenges of securing funding. Dr. Peter Agbakpe, TCC's Interim Associate VP for Academic Strategic Initiatives, reported 195 students enrolled in apprenticeship programs, with robust participation across multiple classes. Funding from sources like WIOA and RSVP grants underpins these efforts.

Tina Lance, Dean of Business and Workforce Development at Germanna Community College, underscored the vital role of collaboration with employers and business organizations in promoting apprenticeship programs. Key examples, she said, include Amazon Web Services, Dominion Energy and American Fire Sprinkler Association.

VCCS Coordinator for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Dr. Jason Williams, who organized the webinar, said strong relationships with business partners are key, and suggested that colleges beginning apprenticeship programs start with small cohorts of students to build trust and expertise.

If you have questions about apprenticeship programs at Virginia's Community Colleges, please email Williams at: [email protected]