BC Apprenticeship Program Promotes Valuable Opportunities for Students and Community
By Deanna Rea
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Bakersfield College hosted an event designed to connect students with the BC Apprenticeship team and highlight the importance of apprenticeships in building successful careers. The event, held on November 28 and 29, provided students and community members an opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship programs and the resources available to help them succeed in the workforce.
Throughout the two-day event, the BC Apprenticeship team set up a welcoming station in the Renegade Crossroads, where they greeted attendees with hot coffee, delicious treats, and valuable information about apprenticeship opportunities in various fields. The team is dedicated to supporting students and community members at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, sharing insights into the benefits of apprenticeships, including firsthand training, certifications, and the potential for long-term career growth.
National Apprenticeship Week serves as a reminder of the vital role that apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce. Established by the U.S. Department of Labor, this nationwide celebration was designed to promote high-quality, in-demand career pathway opportunities through registered apprenticeship programs. For many students, this opportunity offers an alternative pathway to higher education and career success, combining classroom learning with real-world, on-the-job experience. As Anycia Reyes, the Educational Advisor for BC Apprenticeship, emphasizes, “We want to make sure that everyone in the community has an option, whether or not that means pursuing a four-year degree,” she says. “If they would still like to be successful, they can join an apprenticeship and have the opportunity to gain a valuable career.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 1.4 million people have participated in more than 10,000 National Apprenticeship Week events, and more than 1,800 proclamations have been issued in support of Registered Apprenticeship since its establishment in 2015. Reflecting the ongoing efforts to expand participation, Anycia clarifies, “We are constantly recruiting. It does not matter if it is the end of the semester or the beginning—if you are interested, you can always reach out and start applying for our programs.”
BC Apprenticeship offers a variety of programs for students and community members, including Electrician, Maintenance Technician, Data Analyst, Digital Marketer, Software Developer, Perinatal Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse Bridge, and more. “We currently offer [both] traditional and non-traditional programs,” says Anycia. “Our traditional programs are in partnership with the local unions, [such as] the electricians and sheet metal unions. These are five-year programs, and throughout the entire five years, you gain wage progression and experience.”
In addition to offering a wide range of career pathways, BC Apprenticeship programs also provide significant financial benefits for students. As Anycia explains, “The great part about all of our programs is that they are free. We cover tuition and the costs associated with those courses, including textbooks,” she shares. “If you’re interested in joining the workforce, but you also want to get some college credits, these programs are right for you.”
One of the key advantages of BC Apprenticeship programs is the “earn-while-you-learn” training model, which allows students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their education. “It is an earn-while-you-learn opportunity. Anyone who is interested in an apprenticeship goes through an application process and you actually get hired by an employer in our different programs,” Anycia explains. “Where Bakersfield College steps in is - we give you college credits for courses you’re taking that [align] with the work you're doing.”
By hosting this event, Bakersfield College not only celebrated National Apprenticeship Week but also reinforced its ongoing commitment to empowering students and community members to achieve their professional goals. Whether attendees were interested in pursuing a career in skilled trades, healthcare, or technology, the BC Apprenticeship team was there to help students take the first step toward a rewarding career.