Edison State Community College is a registered apprenticeship sponsor that works closely with ApprenticeOhio, the state intermediary for the Department of Labor. Edison State assists employers by developing programs and maintaining Apprenticeship Standards which guides in the compliance and success of the program.
Edison State considers these (3) components essential when working with employers and community partners:
Explore and Reach: Understanding your local community is vital to the creation of a successful registered apprenticeship program. Exploring resources helps the school recognize many factors about the industry needs of your community and directs the college in meeting its needs. Working with state job boards (Ohio Means Jobs) provides the link to workforce needs and programming. Attending regional meetings, associations and involving the college with the local chambers, and scouring the job banks can be a great pay off and aid in the development of meeting workforce needs.
Partner and Build: Building relationships and trust among the local employers is key strategy for your college, your programs, and most importantly, your students. Try to know your employers, research their company and culture and visit them. Offer services that are free to show the added value of having a college partner, share a job posting on your school job board, or share it on your LinkedIn page. Invite employers to your advisory committee meetings and to visit classrooms to connect with the students.
Create and Believe: To create a registered apprenticeship program you will need to know about the employer’s workforce needs and understand what is needed in the RA program standards. State job boards or Department of Labor representatives can assist in this area. Expand your knowledge to industry and the occupation that the employer is trying to fill. Once you know the title of the occupation, you may consider using your resources, such as the O*NET Online website, a career exploration and job analysis tool that assists with understanding the tasks, technology, and knowledge needed for a certain occupation. This tool is very useful in the creation of a work process schedule. Remember to use your resources at the school and the amazing faculty! Invite faculty or trainers to be a part of the discussion with the employer- they are the experts and can offer suggestions on appropriate course and training offerings for the related instruction. Related instruction can be delivered through many platforms and can be offered via credit or non-credit. Lastly, if you truly believe in the proven registered apprenticeship model, it will show in your work, character, and bottom line.
Edison State is a leader in apprenticeship delivery, and this recognition could not be maintained without the support and guidance from our leadership team.