Jennifer Abbey, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Southwestern Community College (SCC), is looking for apprentices to get hands-on experience in conjunction with SCC courses.
SCC, with help from ApprenticeshipNC Expansion Funds, is aiding small businesses through an Apprenticeship Program that allows students to gain work experience and specialized training while attending classes that align with their future careers. With the Expansion Funds, students who are between 16-25 years old and either hold a GED or are attending high school can apply for jobs that will help with up to $2,500 in tuition costs. They can then apply for the program, which will reward the employer with a $2,000 incentive and reimburse them for half of the apprentice’s wages, up to 2,000 hours. This model assists both the student and the business with costs and employment opportunities.
Perry Matthews, former head chef of Guadalupe Cafe, was paid by the Expansion Funds to implement training through a sushi demonstration on the Jackson campus.
“We are hoping to create partnerships with professional association groups throughout our service area,” Abbey said. “At the moment, Carole Lilly Massage and Dogwood Wellness are looking for medical front office apprentices. In the future, students may also be able to find employment opportunities in medical assisting, as well as in the automotive and information technology industries.”
With the help of the Main Street Sylva Association, headed by Bernadette Peters, SCC has created apprenticeship opportunities with Dalaya, Lulu’s on Main, City Lights and Mad Batter Kitchen, the last of which is actively accepting applications for another apprentice. There are currently seven apprentices in the workforce at Main Street businesses, and there have been 11 total in the last year due to Abbey’s efforts.
“As these businesses mentor their apprentices, they become key players on their teams, resulting in a greater retention rate. The supplemental funding from the state also offers these merchants a leg up as they invest in the employee for the long term,” said Peters.
Other active apprenticeships include Wild Kitchen Supply, the Ford Dealership, Dillsboro Automotive and Harold’s IGA.
For more information about the apprenticeships through SCC, contact Abbey at 828.339.4482 or j_abbey@SouthwesternCC.edu.
