November 12, 2024 – Davidson-Davie Community College was recently recognized as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor, being named as one of this year’s cohort of 138 organizations nationwide to earn the distinction for meeting and exceeding commitments to expand and diversify the Registered Apprenticeship Program. The college joined 303 organizations that have been named Apprenticeship Ambassadors since the initiative began in 2022.
Registered Apprenticeships – a U.S. program that connects job seekers and employers looking for specific skillsets – is something that the college is actively engaged in thanks to the innovative efforts by Dr. Holly Myers, dean of Health Sciences at Davidson-Davie. These apprenticeship opportunities provide paid on-the-job learning and academic instruction reflective of industry needs, such as healthcare.
“Not only is it an honor being recognized for the work we’ve done so far, but this gives the college a platform to make more connections and extend these apprenticeships,” Myers said. “Being an Apprenticeship Ambassador means Davidson-Davie is in the position to advocate, promote and grow – helping to create opportunities for good jobs across the country.”
Myers has been steadfast in spearheading efforts for years, establishing the first nursing-based apprenticeship in the state with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Now, the college has the largest healthcare apprenticeship program and consists of 13 different career paths, including medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, nursing, licensed practical nursing, pharmacy technology, central sterile processing, surgical technology and nurse aide. Myers has also engaged the other 57 community colleges in North Carolina to help them create similar apprenticeships within their communities.
“These apprenticeship opportunities are critical in addressing shortages in the healthcare field in our own community,” Myers said. “Providing on-the-job training in acute care settings not only allows students to become fully immersed in their career, but it also facilitates an overall unmatched learning experience, resulting in highly skilled employees.”
Since the launch of the initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor has selected a total of 441 Apprenticeship Ambassadors and includes the likes of emerging and high-growth industries, such as manufacturing, clean energy, education, financial services, healthcare and hospitality. The program creates a national network of employers, labor organizers, industry associations, program sponsors, educators, workforce intermediaries, minority-serving institutions, community-based organizations and other stakeholders to serve as champions for expanding and diversifying the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
For more information about the initiative, visit apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-ambassador-initiative.
Davidson-Davie Community College (www.DavidsonDavie.edu), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, Davidson-Davie is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.
Jared Bowman
Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
336.224.4664
Jared_Bowman@DavidsonDavie.edu