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Apprenticeships & Internships
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Apprenticeships consist of on the job training under supervision of a company mentor and classroom learning model spread over a period of one or more years. Apprentices earn a progressive salary while learning skill trade and degree necessary to succeed in high demand careers. Apprenticeship programs are for ambitious people of all ages who want to earn a salary while they learn, gaining real skills and knowledge. These programs offer employers the opportunity to strengthen and build their workforce providing a tailored high-quality talent pipeline.
There are many benefits to participating in the Wallace State Apprenticeship Program. Students participating in an apprenticeship program have access to classroom and lab experiences with qualified faculty plus on-the-job training with a dedicated mentor in the company where they work. This on-the-job type training program enables students to earn a salary while they learn a career and eliminating educational debt.
- SKILLS AND TRAINING
- Apprenticeships are structured training programs which give you a chance to work towards a qualification.
- They help you gain the specific skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen industry.
- EARN NATIONAL CREDENTIALS AND A WALLACE STATE CERTIFICATE OR DEGREE
- EARN MONEY AND POTENTIALLY HAVE ZERO DEBT UPON GRADUATION
- Employers cover the training costs of the Apprenticeship program. *This includes tuition, fees & books, as well as paying a salary.
- EMPLOYMENT AND ADVANCEMENT
- You will develop the necessary foundational skill set and bring their expertise to work at the company.
- The on-the-job training programs are designed for high-demand positions and guarantee the apprentice a job while in the program.
- ALIGNED SCHEDULES
- The apprenticeship program is created in blocks of time specific for each program to enhance optimal learning.
- Scheduling is done in such a way as to avoid any potential conflicts between time in the classroom and time on-the-job.
- AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD
- ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE US
- 2.5 GPA MAINTAINED AND MEET PREREQUISITES
- VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE
- REGISTERED STUDENT OR GRAD
WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?
Internships are typically one-time work or service experiences related to the student’s major or career goal. The internship plan generally involves students working in professional settings under the supervision and monitoring of practicing professionals. Internships can be paid or unpaid, and the student may or may not receive academic credit for performing the internship but will gain valuable work experience.
There are many benefits to participating in the Wallace State Internship Program. Students participating in an internship gain valuable work experience while developing network connections and exploring a possible career path. Students also develop and refine skills while building the confidence to help them transition from college life to the workforce.
- SKILLS AND TRAINING
- Organization provides opportunities and experiences for the intern that are not directly related to tasks or projects associated with the position, which aid the student’s career interests.
- Situations are created and designed which allow the intern to review and reflect on their experience.
- Student is offered an evaluation at mid and end points of the internship.
- EARN CREDENTIALS
- College credentials will be determined by the collaborating faculty member.
- EARN MONEY
- May be paid or unpaid; if unpaid, employers are directed to follow guidelines for unpaid internships as outlined by state, regional, or national guidelines.
- ALIGNED SCHEDULES
- Typically, an academic term or summer, though the end date may be extended. May be part- or full-time according to the semester.
- 16 - 18 YEARS OLD
- ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE US
- 2.5 GPA MAINTAINED AND MEET PREREQUISITES
- VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE
- REGISTERED STUDENT OR GRAD
WHAT IS A CO-OP?
Cooperative education programs, or co-ops, are a three-way partnership between a student, an employer, and a college. It allows students to integrate work experience into their academic studies for credit. The typical program plan is for students to alternate terms of full-time classroom study with terms of full-time, discipline-related employment. Since the program participation involves multiple work terms, the typical participant will work three or four work terms, thus gaining a year or more of career-related work experience before graduation. Virtually all co-op positions are paid, and the clear majority involve some form of academic credit.
There are many benefits to participating in the Wallace State Co-Op Program. Students participating in a co-op spend every other semester immersing themselves in a degree related career. Co-ops allow students to gain actual experience in an environment different from the classroom while enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Completion of a Co-op also gives students a competitive edge for full-time employment after graduation.
- Test Drive A Career
- Allows you to gain actual experience in the career in an environment different from the classroom.
- Skills & Training
- Enhances your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Promotes maturity and the development of interpersonal skills.
- Provides an opportunity for the student to work with state-of-the-art equipment and use the most current procedures.
- Earn Money
- Enables you to pay a portion of his/her college expenses.
- Employment & Advancement
- Gives you a competitive edge for full-time employment after graduation.
- AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD
- ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE US
- MEET PREREQUISITES*
- VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE
- REGISTERED STUDENT OR GRAD
* MAINTAINED 2.5 GPA, additionally complete 12 credit hours at Wallace State, complete require coursework outlined in co-op guidelines.
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Let's Talk About It!
- Jamie Blackmon
- 256.352.8461
- Email: jamie.blackmon@wallacestate.edu
- 801 Main St. NW, Hanceville, AL 35077
- Contact Us
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