Over the last five years, the number of individuals enrolled in apprenticeship programs across the United States has significantly increased. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 545,000 apprentices across the country, 4,800 of whom are in North Carolina.
Since 2013, Catawba County employers Technibilt, Sarstedt USA, GKN Sinter Metals and ZF Chassis Components, in addition to three other advanced manufacturers from neighboring counties, have partnered with Catawba Valley Community College and the NCDOL to offer four-year apprenticeships to high school juniors called “Apprenticeship Catawba.” Students interested in Apprenticeship Catawba are considered by referral from their school counselors and must maintain a minimum GPA requirement and placement testing criteria.