Apprenticeship 321 – Economic and Workforce Development

APPRENTICESHIP 321

Pursuing higher education presents a set of unique challenges for prospective students. Traditional four-year programs can mean removing yourself from the workforce for the duration of your education. High costs can lead to taking on student debt. You may worry about how your education translates to real-world earning potential.

If you have these concerns when thinking about your future but understand that higher education is necessary to advance your career, Gaston College’s Apprenticeship 321 Program may be exactly what you are looking for.

Earn While You Learn

The Apprenticeship 321 program provides an alternative to traditional higher education for those who enjoy working with their hands, are interested in careers in a STEM-related field, or want to continue working full-time while learning.

Apprenticeship 321 is registered with ApprenticeshipNC and the U.S. Department of Labor. Depending on the length of the program, apprentices will work alongside mentors where they will receive job-specific training, tuition-free education, and a salary. Apprentices are paid to pursue their education!

Program Overview

The goal of the Apprenticeship 321 Program is to cultivate highly skilled workers for large to small companies who can enter the workforce immediately upon completing the program. Through on-the-job training, successful apprentices will qualify for nationally recognized certifications, academic credentials from Gaston College, and a National Career Readiness Certificate. The Apprenticeship 321 Program operates in accordance with the North Carolina Standards of Apprenticeship.

Gaston College offers apprenticeships across a variety of occupations, including:

• Accounting Technician
• Certified Nurse Aide I & II
• Chemical Operator (Technician)
• Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Installer Servicer (HVAC)
• Industrial Electrician
• Industrial Maintenance Mechanics
• IT Support Technician
• Machine Set-up Operator
• Mechatronics Technician
• Paramedic Medicine
• Practical Nursing
• Shift Supervisor (Advanced Manufacturing)
• Tool & Die Maker
• Welder

Partners

Albermarle
ALG Senior
Aptar
Atrium
BAYADA
Bosch
Brian Center
CaroMont
CTL Packaging
Daimler
Design Tech
Faithful Nurses
Farris Conveyor
Firestone Fibers & Textiles
Gaston College
Gaston EMS
Hanes
Home Instead
Hunter Douglas 
J&L Machine and Fabrication
KACO USA Inc
Keystone Powdered Metal Company
LanXess
LeeBoy
Lincoln County EMS
Mann+Hummel
MFA/Belaire
Modacam
Peak Resources
Rochling
Stanley Total Living Center
Stress Free Living
Tenowo
Timken