Graduated? This could be your perfect post-high school move. Apply now through August 1

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Although it’s marked as a happy occasion, what follows high school graduation is majorly stressful. What college do I choose? Is a four-year university even right for me? What if I want a gap year, but I still want to learn new skills? Central Six AlabamaWorks! has a solution for those worries through pre-apprenticeship programs in the Birmingham area—apply today.

Why the pre-apprenticeship programs are a great next step

Life after high school can just generally be unclear. Now, COVID-19 has turned that water even murkier and trying to decide what your next step should be feels like a list of limited options. You’ll be relieved to see that’s NOT the case in Birmingham.

Maybe you’re taking some time before attending college or need to be set on a path for future career goals—this is where the pre-apprenticeship programs could be your lifeline.

The pre-apprenticeship programs are a great toe-dip into your career field

So you’re not sure what turn your life is going to take, or even what you want it to look like. The programs are perfect, because not only are you learning first-hand how a career in manufacturing, welding technology and other fields work, you get to test it out and see whether it’s right for you.

“With the limited future supply of students interested in a career in manufacturing, employers have to be innovative in developing new talent pipelines for their critical positions.

Federally registered apprenticeship models help meet this need by providing employers the opportunity to grow their own workforce through on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

These programs benefit employers and apprentices alike, increasing retention and productivity for employers as well as providing apprentices with a livable wage and stable career path.”

Antiqua Cleggett Executive Director of Central Six AlabamaWorks!

As you can see, apprenticeships check off more than one box on the grocery list of workforce needs. They provide real, solid career opportunities to those who don’t have a four-year college degree. Employers can hire workers immediately and train them on-the-job—sounds like a win, win to me.

Apply NOW.

Let’s take a look at what pre-apprenticeship program is right for you

While employers aren’t taking on new apprentices this year in light of COVID-19, prospective apprentices can still gain valuable skills in a pre-apprenticeship program. Central Six AlabamaWorks! partnered with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, Jefferson State Community College, Lawson State Community College, 58 Inc., CAPTE, and local career centers to host four apprenticeship programs.

Pre-apprenticeships are offered in Chilton, Shelby, Jefferson, Walker, Blount, and St. Clair.

1. Central Six Industrial Maintenance Millwright Apprenticeship

• Where: Jefferson State Community College (Carson Rd. campus) and Lawson State Community College (Bessemer campus)
• What: Learn how to maintain the equipment in a manufacturing facility and make sure it is operating safely. In addition to machinery maintenance, apprentices will learn skills in hydraulics, pneumatics, and welding.

2. Jefferson State Welding Technology Apprenticeship

• Where: Jefferson State Community College (Carson Rd. campus)
• What: Education includes a variety of welding techniques and the skills needed to succeed in a manufacturing environment.

3. Lawson State Machine Tool Technology Apprenticeship

• Where: Lawson State Community College (Bessemer campus)
• What: Learn how to set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.

4. Lawson State Welding Technology Apprenticeship

• Where: Lawson State Community College (Bessemer campus)
• What: Education includes a variety of welding techniques and the skills needed to succeed in a manufacturing environment.

Pre-apprenticeship programs teach you everything you need to know for an entry-level position in the field of your choosing. Once you complete one of the programs, you can apply for the corresponding apprenticeship next summer and keep growing your skillset with that organization.

Ready to jump-start your career or learn more about your options? Apply TODAY for a pre-apprenticeship.

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