July 10, 2008
NETC and Industry Reps Meet to Discuss Apprenticeship Programs

Officials from Northeastern Technical College recently met with industry leaders from Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon Counties to discuss participation in a registered electro-mechanical apprenticeship program. 

The program would be an employer-sponsored, NETC-delivered training program that provides trainees the opportunity to earn a Journeymen’s License and additional credentials from Northeastern Technical College while maintaining full time employment at the sponsoring company.  In return, employers have the potential to receive tax credits for each apprentice registered in the program, or for each new job created.   Apprenticeship programs are also linked to decreased turnover, increased production, employee loyalty, skill level and higher morale.  

“The apprenticeship program benefits all that are involved and we look forward to continuing work with our industry partners to begin this program in the near future,” said Ron Bartley, president of Northeastern Technical College.  “We know the model works because our existing apprenticeship program has been a successful partnership for our students and local industry.”

Northeastern Technical College and Schaeffler Group USA Inc., in Cheraw have operated a metal working trades apprenticeship program for more than 18 years which has graduated 179 people; seventy six percent which remain employed by the company.

“This is one of the best things we’ve done as far as a company training program” said Phil Homan, human resource manager for Schaeffler Group USA Inc.  “We have a need to grow our own employees and the apprenticeship program with Northeastern Technical College helps us to do that.” 

The new partnership is a local effort supported by Apprenticeship Carolina™, which was launched in 2007 by the South Carolina Technical College System.  The program is intended to create a statewide, coordinated approach to the promotion and support of registered apprenticeships as a viable workforce development tool for South Carolina’s 21st century economy.

The South Carolina Technical College System is an integral part of South Carolina’s higher education system, working to make college affordable and accessible through its 16 colleges across the state. The continuum of education and training for businesses and individuals provided by the technical colleges, readySC™ programs and Apprenticeship Carolina™ make the System a key partner in South Carolina’s economic and workforce development efforts.

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