Watch Your Teen Prepare for Success with an Apprenticeship

Will they be ready for adulthood? 

It’s one of the many questions that high school parents ask themselves. What does my child need to do after graduation in order to have a career that not only pays the bills, but also offers stability, fulfillment, and an opportunity to grow and advance?  

Does my student need a four-year degree, or maybe a military career? Many students are finding another pathway to career success through apprenticeship, a model that has been successful throughout both the United States and Europe for centuries. Companies right here in Gaston and Lincoln counties are hiring apprentices in conjunction with Gaston College’s Apprenticeship 321 program.

Apprenticeship Offers Career and College with No Debt

With an apprenticeship your student can:

• Get paid to learn real-world skills
• Earn a college degree, diploma, or certificate with no debt (tuition, fees, and books are covered)
• Gain experience in an advanced field 

Early Career Start Equals Financial Stability

 Apprenticeships let Gaston College students learn career skills while earning money. Students will: 

• Take college classes at no cost
• Earn pay while learning on the job 
• Learn skills that are in high demand and that will prepare them for a successful career 

Discover more about how apprenticeship works. 

Youth Apprenticeship for High School Students

High school juniors and seniors can participate in a youth apprenticeship. They’ll take classes at Gaston College in the College Now program or through their school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and earn a special credential. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about the companies in our area that offer apprenticeships and gain valuable networking opportunities that will help them get hired as an apprentice after they graduate from high school. Students in the youth apprenticeship program can also attend Gaston College’s youth apprenticeship summer camp for free. The camp offers additional networking and learning opportunities from local employer partners.  

Download Your Free Apprenticeship Guide!

Personal and Professional Skills for Life

As a parent, you realize navigating adulthood isn’t just about knowledge, but it also includes personal skills. During an apprenticeship, students work with a seasoned mentor, and the program is designed to help them learn:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Responsibility

Put Them on the Path to a Promising Career

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of fields, from advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, electrical (industrial), and HVAC  to paramedic training, and more. 

Discover how your student can apply for an apprenticeship or a youth apprenticeship today.  

Learn even more about apprenticeship in this helpful guide — download now!