The Community College System of NH (CCSNH) received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to enhance apprenticeship opportunities in information technology, health care and manufacturing.
The program will help connect employers with potential employees through apprenticeships. The grant will support the development of new apprenticeship opportunities, provide funding for apprenticeship-related tuition, and support outreach to employers who wish to expand work-based learning at their sites. Services will be coordinated with the WorkReadyNH program offered at NH’s community colleges. That program is designed to help individuals build the soft skills employers identify as necessary to workplace success.
“New Hampshire’s community colleges are continuing to create more work-based learning opportunities linked with education and training that strengthen pathways to employment in the Granite State in industry sectors that are critical to our state’s economy,” says Ross Gittell, CCSNH Chancellor.
The program was applauded by employers seeking to build a pipeline of skilled employees in high-need fields like healthcare. Chris Callahan, vice president of human resources at Exeter Health Resources, says, “Our hope is that the awarding of this grant will provide greater incentive to the healthcare industry to train potential employees for careers within the healthcare sector. We see this training as the basis for lifetime employment and increased responsibility and wages over time. We view apprenticeship programs as having a profound impact on the development of skills that will serve the residents of New Hampshire well. Imparting these skills, and the certifications or licensure that accompanies many of these jobs, will meet an immediate labor market need and help these individuals grow in the health care field.”
Employers looking for more information about apprenticeships should contact Charlotte Williams at 603-230-3534 or cpwilliams@ccsnh.edu.
Current Issue - May 2024