Delta held an Apprentice Fair in the Quad on Nov. 16, allowing students to network and explore apprenticeship opportunities with local companies and organizations during National Apprenticeship Week.
“CTE & Workforce Development Center is committed to helping Delta College students and the local community access with career pathways to well-paying jobs in growing industries. Join us as we celebrate the 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week with Student Apprentice Resource Fair. Meet local employers and organizations to learn more about opportunities and training available,” said Delta’s website regarding the event.
Amongst those tabling at the event were the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD), the California Department of Water Resources, Tesla, Simpson Strongtie and more.
“They have connections with employers in the industry and then also networking at events like this where they can meet employers that are in the industry,” said Jessica Rice, an employee of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Workforce Development Center.
Events like the Apprentice Fair are important to the CTE Workforce Development Center and Delta because they make students aware of new and enriching opportunities in their local area and fields of study.
“It helps to expand the knowledge of the students because a lot of them don’t realize all of the different things that are available to them. They see the people out here, but being able to network with them and network with the employers helps them,” said Rice.
For trades and construction apprenticeships, potential apprentices would be able to receive hands-on training in their field while also attending school.
“During the program, it’s a five-year program, so during that time, you’re going out to work on a job site underneath a journeyman. So you’re getting your OJT, you’re on-the-job training, and getting a paycheck. And then concurrently with that, you’re also going to school two nights a week. And those two nights a week are all affiliated with Delta College as our LEA, that’s a learning education agency. And what that means is that you’re actually getting your major units for an AS degree while you’re going through the program through Delta College,” said Garrett Greer of the San Joaquin and Calaveras Counties Joint Electrical Apprenticeship.
The benefits of completing an apprenticeship while attending school can be extensive. Paid apprenticeships allow apprentices to build financial stability while often having their schooling paid for by their employer as well.
“You’re able to start collecting a health care plan, pensions, retirements, collecting all that stuff and building it at the same time that you are going to school,” said Greer.
For the RTD, which is offering its mechanic apprenticeship program, the completion of your apprenticeship comes with a guaranteed job position within the RTD.
Laura Ortiz was originally a utility worker at RTD when she joined the apprenticeship program while completing classes needed for the apprenticeship at Delta.
“It was a good time, you know, I finished it. It was a long three years, but it’s all worth it,” said Ortiz.
Within companies and/or organizations like the RTD, there is an opportunity to further develop your career after your apprenticeship. Providing students with not only the stepping stone of an apprenticeship but also the ability to have a long and prosperous career due to the stability that comes with paid tuition, on-the-job training, health benefits, and a steady paycheck.
If students would like to learn more about opportunities available beyond the classroom, they can find information through the Workforce Development Center: https://www.deltacollege.edu/department/workforce-development-center. The center is located in Shima 217.
