National Park College (NPC) was recently named as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship (OA). The Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative was developed to identify organizations that help to expand and diversify registered apprenticeships.
The role of Apprenticeship Ambassadors includes promoting and expanding awareness of registered apprenticeships, partnerships and innovation, increasing access and support for underserved populations, training, researching and sharing best practices.
Vice President for Workforce, Dr. Bill Allison said he is excited for NPC to take a lead role in championing apprenticeship programs in Arkansas. “For hundreds of years, this learning model has proven to increase the earning power of participants, while maintaining the same academic rigor as any postsecondary program. Registered apprenticeships fast track individuals into the workforce while academically preparing them for future success,” he said.
“Additionally, registered apprenticeships housed on a community college campus, like National Park College, organically introduce apprentices to a future in higher education that they may never have considered were it not for a registered apprentice program. For example, it is not uncommon for an apprentice to complete a registered apprenticeship program and then move on to obtain a business degree with the intentions of starting their own company. As a result, registered apprenticeship programs continue to create positive economic impacts for both individuals and communities,” Allison added.
