Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship merges a formal learning experience with a practical, hands-on, paid work experience, giving a student a diverse, well-rounded educational opportunity. It allows a student to “earn while they learn,” with time allocated each week for both course work and field work. Apprentices are typically hired for entry-level positions, with options for professional growth within the company over time. 

Once selected for employment by an HCC apprenticeship partner, students are able to offset many of the costs associated with pursing a college education. Employers typically cover tuition and fees, in addition to hiring students as full-time employees within their companies. In addition to these financial benefits, apprentices build meaningful skills and connections that position them to get a jumpstart in an industry and secure long-term employment. 

HCC apprentices get to experience the best of both worlds – a comprehensive, in-depth range of academic courses that provide strategic and theoretical knowledge about the industries they are most interested in, and practical, hands-on job training in a dynamic and thriving real-world work environment. Additionally, apprentices receive tremendous guidance and support from faculty, advisors, and on-the-job peers and supervisors. 

HCC partners with well-respected companies that are in growth mode and have the potential to offer a positive and productive entry-level work experience for students. After applying for an HCC apprenticeship program, we will connect you with prospective employers. You will complete a program screening and employer selection process with HCC and our business partners and ideally be placed in a position that aligns with your interests, career goals, and apprenticeship program concentration. 

In many cases, companies hire an apprentice with hopes that the student will have a positive work experience, grow within their company, and stay long-term. That said, apprenticeships offer students a solid “foot in the door” and provide them with skill sets and work experience that extend far beyond their college experience. 

Each apprenticeship program has its own requirements and deadlines for application. We encourage students who are preparing for entry into college to explore all of the options we have available and consider applying for the program that is best aligned with their interests, passions, and career visions and goals. High school students are encouraged to consult with parents, teachers, and guidance counselors. Students already enrolled at HCC are encouraged to seek guidance from their faculty advisors and experts in the college’s area of Workforce, Career, and Community Education.