Why Apprenticeship – Employers
Build a Skilled Workforce with Apprenticeship
Are you struggling to replace experienced team members?
If a lack of qualified and skilled employees is holding your company back, you’re not alone. Many companies in our region are feeling the impact of a talent shortage, leading to:
- Failure to keep up with demand
- Inability to grow or expand technology
- Losing ground in competitive markets
- A burned out workforce that is overscheduled
- Safety risks
Current hiring practices are no longer effective in filling positions that require technical or advanced skills. Today’s tough labor market demands new strategies to attract and develop skilled talent.
Build a Reliable Talent Pipeline
Companies throughout the world and in Rockingham County have been able to gain a competitive advantage and train a new generation of skilled team members through a registered youth apprentice program.
The Rockingham Apprenticeship and Technical Opportunities Program, also known as RockATOP, uses a proven model to help you build your own reliable talent pipeline. With apprenticeship, your company can take a proactive approach to workforce talent challenges. You’ll help prepare apprentices to use advanced skills to innovate, lead, and boost your company to success.
A Win for Students and Companies
Employers are able to:
- Participate in a thorough screening process that recruits bright and motivated high school juniors and seniors
- Mentor and train apprentices in-house for the positions they need
- Lower training costs with grants
- Get the support needed for fast on-boarding of employee apprentices
- Build company pride through current employees who act as mentors
Apprentices are able to:
- Take college classes at Rockingham Community College, earn a degree, and gain skills at no cost
- Learn on the job while earning pay
- Start a rewarding job and career in high school
Learn more about how students earn and learn during apprenticeship.
A Model for Any Company Size, Any Sector
Apprenticeship can be customized for companies of all sizes and from any type of industry sector.
Currently, the RockATOP program has employers from a number of industry sectors, including:
- Machining
- Automation Systems
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Brick and Concrete
- Robotics
- Maintenance
- Education
Ongoing Guidance and Support
The RockATOP team and other local companies who have successfully implemented youth apprenticeship programs provide ongoing support and guidance. You’ll be able to learn from peers and build relationships with other business and education leaders in the community.
A Sustainable Advantage
The apprenticeship model allows you to create a long-term talent pipeline that helps protect you from negative market forces. It’s a program that builds momentum each year and has a positive impact on both your business and the community.