Danville Community College (DCC) proudly announces the launch of its new Information Technology (IT) Registered Apprenticeship Program, marking a significant milestone in the college's commitment to workforce development and community engagement.
“Apprenticeships improve the employer and employee relationship by creating an environment where learning on the job is valued and supported," said Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of Danville Community College. "We're proud to bring registered apprenticeships to DCC for the benefit of our community."
Pioneering a Non-traditional Path
The journey to re-establish apprenticeship programs at DCC has taken an unconventional route. Before opening the program to the community, DCC President Dr. Jerry Wallace committed to establishing an in-house IT Registered Apprenticeship. This strategic move allowed the college to experience the program both as an educational provider and as an active participant.
"Establishing a DCC Registered Apprenticeship within our own organization allowed us to experience the full range of the apprenticeship process from the inside out,” said Barry Richmond, Apprenticeship Coordinator for DCC. “The College recognizes the value of leveraging apprenticeships to develop our own talent.”
What is a Registered Apprenticeship?
Registered Apprenticeship (RA) is an occupation-specific training model focusing on a wide range of skills and knowledge. It is an ideal way for employers to build and maintain a skilled workforce. Registered Apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training with Related Technical Instruction (RTI) specific to the apprentice’s chosen occupation.
- Apprentices are employees on the payroll and must be paid at least minimum wage
- Apprentices are mentored on the jobsite by subject matter experts
- Apprentices participate in approved Related Technical Instruction
- Apprentices must be kept safe on the jobsite
- Apprentices are rewarded as they gain skills with scheduled wage increases of the Employer/Sponsor’s choosing
“DCC's IT RA program not only provides the coursework for their Help Desk Specialist; they are also the employer,” said Kara Joyce, Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with Virginia Works. “This demonstrates DCC's commitment to advancing Registered Apprenticeship in the Greater Danville region. DCC's experience can also help illustrate some of the rewards of apprenticeship to local businesses, such as increased employee loyalty, morale, and retention - just to name a few. Studies place the ROI for apprenticeships at $1.43 per dollar spent on the apprentice.”
A Commitment to Excellence in IT Training
DCC’s IT department launched its first Registered Apprenticeship program with a focus on training Help Desk Specialists. This program not only provides the necessary coursework but also positions DCC as the employer, demonstrating a deep commitment to advancing Registered Apprenticeships in Danville and beyond. By working closely with area businesses, DCC ensures that the Related Technical Instruction component remains up-to-date and relevant to current industry standards.
Benefits of the Apprenticeship Program
The IT Registered Apprenticeship program showcases several key benefits, including:
- Increased Employee Loyalty and Morale: Apprenticeships foster a sense of loyalty and boost morale among employees.
- Higher Retention Rates: Apprenticeships contribute to higher employee retention, reducing turnover and related costs.
- Positive ROI: Studies indicate a return on investment (ROI) of $1.43 per dollar spent on apprenticeships.
"We are excited about the opportunity to offer registered apprenticeships to our students and employers in our service region," said Jessica Dalton, Vice President of Workforce Services for Danville Community College. "This opportunity will allow additional support for both student and employer as we continue to grow and enhance our training and skill pipeline for our service area and region."
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Jerry Wallace emphasized the broader vision behind this initiative: "By launching an in-house Registered Apprenticeship program, we aim to illustrate the investment and value for other businesses in the region. Our experience highlights the tangible benefits of apprenticeships, not only for apprentices but for employers as well."
Interested in Apprenticeships?
To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities for individuals and employers, contact Barry Richmond, Apprenticeship Coordinator at 434-766-6785 or barry.richmond@danville.edu.
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