MTC To Offer Apprenticeship Program
November 20, 2018
By MEGAN WILLIAMS
Daily News-Record 11/20/18
HARRISONBURG — Massanutten Technical Center is in talks with area businesses to create apprenticeship opportunities starting next semester.
“The reception from the businesses was very positive,” said Kevin Hutton, MTC director. “By the start of second semester, we are hoping to have signed multiple business sponsorships and work on student placement.”
Massanutten Technical Center, jointly run by Harrisonburg and Rockingham County public schools, would like to begin with 20 to 25 students in the apprenticeship program.
MTC, which offers technical career classes to high school students and adult learners, already offers a work-based learning program for students to work directly in an industry to gain experience.
The major difference between youth apprenticeship and work- based learning is an apprenticeship allows students to count their classroom instruction and field experience toward their apprentice industry credential while in high school, Hutton said.
“Typical adult apprenticeship programs take four years to complete,” he said. “With youth apprenticeship, up to two of these four years can be completed before a student graduates from high school.”
The youth apprenticeship program incorporates a wide variety of fields, which means almost all of MTC’s 21 programs will be able to participate. The specific list of partnering businesses has not been completed yet.
“Our goal is to give students the opportunity to have a competitive advantage to be successful in their chosen career,” Hutton said. “The completion of an apprenticeship program is a win-win for the employer and employee.”
Most companies reward individuals completing an apprenticeship with higher pay. It’s another step in MTC’s goal of providing a skilled workforce for the Valley, according to school officials.
Massanutten Technical Center offers programs in a variety of fields ranging from culinary arts, dental careers, fi re and rescue, health careers, electricity, veterinary sciences, welding, cosmetology and more.
Daily News-Record 11/20/18
HARRISONBURG — Massanutten Technical Center is in talks with area businesses to create apprenticeship opportunities starting next semester.
“The reception from the businesses was very positive,” said Kevin Hutton, MTC director. “By the start of second semester, we are hoping to have signed multiple business sponsorships and work on student placement.”
Massanutten Technical Center, jointly run by Harrisonburg and Rockingham County public schools, would like to begin with 20 to 25 students in the apprenticeship program.
MTC, which offers technical career classes to high school students and adult learners, already offers a work-based learning program for students to work directly in an industry to gain experience.
The major difference between youth apprenticeship and work- based learning is an apprenticeship allows students to count their classroom instruction and field experience toward their apprentice industry credential while in high school, Hutton said.
“Typical adult apprenticeship programs take four years to complete,” he said. “With youth apprenticeship, up to two of these four years can be completed before a student graduates from high school.”
The youth apprenticeship program incorporates a wide variety of fields, which means almost all of MTC’s 21 programs will be able to participate. The specific list of partnering businesses has not been completed yet.
“Our goal is to give students the opportunity to have a competitive advantage to be successful in their chosen career,” Hutton said. “The completion of an apprenticeship program is a win-win for the employer and employee.”
Most companies reward individuals completing an apprenticeship with higher pay. It’s another step in MTC’s goal of providing a skilled workforce for the Valley, according to school officials.
Massanutten Technical Center offers programs in a variety of fields ranging from culinary arts, dental careers, fi re and rescue, health careers, electricity, veterinary sciences, welding, cosmetology and more.
