The U.S. Department of Labor is sponsoring the 3rd Annual National Apprenticeship Week from Nov. 13–19, with hundreds of participating organizations registering their events; Truckee Meadows Community College will join in by holding its first Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) apprentice graduation, and with other activities.
National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration for businesses, labor organizations, and educational institutions to share ideas and offer support for apprenticeship programs.
“Any industry can benefit from apprenticeship programs by creating a pipeline for skilled workers or upskilling their current workforce,” said J. Kyle Dalpe, PhD, Interim Dean of Technical Sciences at TMCC. “In the past, apprenticeships have been widely employed by construction and manufacturing. Now, we’re seeing how apprenticeships in the health care field can meet growing needs, such as hospitals needing CNAs.”
First Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Graduation
A first-ever CNA Apprentice Graduation Celebration will take place during National Apprenticeship Week. The new CNA Apprenticeship Program began during late summer, partnering TMCC with Renown Health in a project where students learn in class and on the job, while earning a paycheck.
The students take classes and labs taught by TMCC professors, and perform clinical shifts under the supervision of licensed professionals, all on location at a working hospital and extended care facility. After completing the program, they are eligible to sit for the state exam, earn their Certified Nursing Assistant license, and smoothly transition into their career as a CNA.
This event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16, 12:30–2 p.m., at the Artisan’s Conference Room 108 on the first floor of Renown Regional Medical Center. The TMCC and Renown Health communities are invited to attend the graduation ceremony, and the media is encouraged to meet the apprenticeship graduates.
TMCC’s Apprenticeship Partners Span Diverse Industries
Students may also apply to apprenticeship programs that are collaborations with building and utility trade partners. Apprentices take college classes, and at the same time study and practice under the guidance of skilled craftspeople in a diverse set of fields. The programs typically last about four years, and students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree while being prepared with the knowledge, skills and abilities to work at a journey person level in a trade.
Qualifying apprenticeship programs at TMCC include the following:
- Field Ironworkers, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC)
- Northern Nevada Carpenters, JATC
- Northern Nevada Electrical, JATC
- Northern Nevada Operating Engineers, JATC
- Northern Nevada Painters and Decorators
- Norther Nevada Plasterers and Cement Masons, JATC
- Northern Nevada Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC, JATC
- Northern Nevada Sheet Metal Workers, JATC
- NV Energy Gas Utility
Dalpe Appointed to Nevada State Apprenticeship Council (SAC)
In October, the Nevada System of Higher Education Chancellor Thom Reilly, DPA, appointed Dalpe to the Nevada State Apprenticeship Council (SAC).
“Training new and retraining incumbent workers will be key to meeting the needs for skilled talent in Nevada as the economy continues to diversify,” wrote Manny Lamarre, Executive Director of OWINN in a letter to Dalpe. “Apprenticeship programs in a variety of ways can help with this important need.”
The newly defined SAC will meet for the first time later this month.
In addition, TMCC received a $2.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the American Apprenticeship Initiative. This grant was awarded to TMCC in October 2015 to help employers develop apprenticeship programs in Nevada.
The College is currently recruiting for Industrial Maintenance Mechanic and CNA apprentices. There is continued demand for career-seekers who are skilled in these fields, said Cheryl Olson, Program Director, Technical Science Division.
For more information about apprenticeships, please contact Kyle Dalpe at 775-856-5307 or Cheryl Olson at 775-856-5304.