ApprenticeshipNC News

71st Annual N.C. State Fair Masonry Apprentice Contest: Building a Workforce One Brick at a TimeThe scent of fresh mortar filled the air on Monday, October 20, 2025, as 26 Bricklayer Registered Apprentices showcased their craftsmanship in the 71st Annual N.C. State Fair Masonry Apprentice Contest. Hosted by ApprenticeshipNC, the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA), and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, this event is the longest-running contest of its kind in the nation. Participants, representing nine employers across the state, had three hours to build a complex structure—testing their knowledge, skills, speed, and attention to detail.Read More

State’s Apprenticeship Program Achieves Record Growth, Faces Uncertain Funding FutureThe State Board of the North Carolina Community College System approved the 2024–2025 ApprenticeshipNC Annual Report at the September 19 board meeting, underscoring the program’s role as the state’s primary engine for workforce development.Read More

Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium welcomes 11 new apprentices in official signing ceremonyThe Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium (DDAC) welcomed 11 new apprentices recently in the organization’s annual signing ceremony. The 11 apprentices spent the summer in a pre-apprenticeship program, but with the signing they begin their four years of on-the-job training with a DDAC member company along with classes at Davidson-Davie Community College.Read More

Randolph Community College honors skilled workforce at 9th Annual Apprenticeship Randolph Signing Ceremony and 2025 GraduationRandolph Community College (RCC) hosted its 9th Annual Apprenticeship Randolph (AR) Graduation and Signing Ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 5, celebrating both the accomplishments of eight graduating apprentices and the promise of 17 new signers.Read More

New Funding Opportunity for Registered Apprentices: Short-Term Workforce Development GrantApprenticeshipNC is excited to share that the Short-Term Workforce Development (STWD) Grant has been expanded to support Registered Apprentices across North Carolina! Read More

Teens from area high schools named to new class of pre-apprenticesEighteen high school students across Randolph County launched their careers this summer through Apprenticeship Randolph (AR), a dynamic, work-based learning program made possible through collaboration between Randolph Community College (RCC) and local industries. Fourteen students are diving into the high-demand world of advanced manufacturing, and four are exploring the fast-growing field of Information Technology.Read More

Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium celebrates graduation of eight apprenticesThe Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium (DDAC) recently celebrated its third graduating class with eight apprentices earning their journeyman certification.Read More

2025 ApprenticeshipNC Conference Brings Together Registered Apprenticeship Leaders from Across North CarolinaOver 250 Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders from across North Carolina gathered for the 2025 ApprenticeshipNC Conference March 10-11 at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham. Attendees included program sponsors, employers, educators, government representatives, and community partners. The two-day conference offered a platform to connect, share best practices and success stories, and explore strategies to expand North Carolina’s labor market through Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs.Read More

General Assembly Funding Expands Registered Apprenticeship in North CarolinaIn 2022, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated nearly $12 million for the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state. As a result of this funding, ApprenticeshipNC, the State Apprenticeship Agency housed under the North Carolina Community College System, has registered 1,385 apprentices between the ages of 16 and 25 for 155 employers. Read More