Alamance Community College is one of five two-year schools in North Carolina selected as an Apprenticeship Ambassador with the U.S. Department of Labor.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative created a national network of community-based organizations, educators, employers, industry associations, labor organizations, and other stakeholders to serve as champions for expanding and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship.
ACC is a member of the third Apprenticeship Ambassador cohort, joining 303 organizations and educational institutions nationwide that have previously been named.
“This recognition is a testament to the leadership of Bettina Akukwe, both in her prior role as ACC’s apprenticeship coordinator and continued into her current position as Associate Vice President of Corporate Education,” said Justin Snyder, Vice President of Workforce Development at the College.
Alamance Community College has long been a leader in North Carolina with Registered Apprenticeship Program experience that includes the Career Accelerator Program (CAP), Adults for Industrial Development (AID), and as a member of the NC Association of Electrical Contractors. The College serves as a sponsor and instruction provider, working with both youth and adults. ACC partners with 50 different area companies, serving as sponsor for 30 of those, and has graduated 26 apprentices. Currently ACC has 26 youth and 44 adult apprentices in programs that range from advanced manufacturing to HVAC, Agriculture, Firefighting, Machining, and Mechatronics.
As a nationally recognized Apprenticeship Ambassador, ACC will gain access to a network of education, equity, industry, labor apprenticeship, and industry champions where member organizations can share best practices. The College will also have an opportunity to partner with the U.S. Department of Labor to shape Registered Apprenticeship expansion and diversification in its area of expertise, industry, local area, and supply chain.
The Office of Apprenticeship at the U.S. Department of Labor will publicize ACC’s designation with all other such institutions as an Apprenticeship Ambassador on the Apprenticeship.gov website.
Apprenticeship Ambassador members are approved for a term of two years, with new annual commitments initiated at the beginning of the second year.