NIC event highlights apprenticeships
Booths set up for job fair in August 2021 at NIC’s Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum.
(File photo/NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE)
The community is invited to learn more about the various apprenticeship programs offered through the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center at an open house next week.
The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at NIC’s Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum. More than 10 regional trade employers will be on-hand to meet with job seekers and potential apprentices.
“Employers are looking to invest in the right people. This is a perfect way to make that connection and embark on a career,” NIC Workforce Training Center Apprenticeship Program manager Brenda Hamilton said.
The NIC Workforce Training Center offers apprenticeships in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, construction, heavy equipment, medical assistant, dental assistant, and certified nursing assistant. Apprenticeships allow employees to work while taking classes during their off-time.
“There’s funding available that will pay up to 80% of a program,” Hamilton said. “There is Idaho LAUNCH funding available for adults and high school seniors,”
Each apprenticeship is different. Some are four-year programs, while others last a few months. Many of the apprenticeships, such as newly created Construction and Heavy Equipment programs, will lead to a journeyman trade certificate. Journeymen typically have significantly higher salaries than non-certified employees.
The Nov. 10 Open House is being held in conjunction with the 86th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Ninth Annual National Apprenticeship Week. According to apprenticeship.gov, workers who complete registered apprenticeship programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their career when compared to peers who do not.
“Registered apprenticeship is a proven way to obtain pathways to secure, high-paying careers,” Hamilton said. “This Open House will showcase what’s available in our region and how to pay for it. Everyone’s welcome — just show up.”
Information: NIC, nic.edu/wtc; by phone, 208-769-3333; or email, apprenticeship@nic.edu