Apprenticeship and Coop Programs at Craven Community College

Apprentice programs use real-world workplace learning environments to train students. In the workplace, students learn through hands-on experience with the help of mentors. Students develop competencies in technical and related areas, including math, science, communications, and problem solving.

Craven Community College, B/S/H Appliances, Craven County Schools, and the Department of Labor operate one of only two "school-to-work" programs in the state approved by the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Students who successfully complete this program earn a diploma or degree in Manufacturing Technology, as well as Journeyman Credentials from the Department of Labor.

The apprentice program is competitive and begins in high school. After graduating from high school, participating students attend Craven Community College and work at B/S/H/ until they successfully complete the program requirements and workplace training. In some cases, qualified students receive job credentials when they complete their program.

Cooperative Education (COE) at Craven Community College is an educational plan integrating classroom learning with supervised work experience. The primary objective of Cooperative Education is to provide a student with work experience that is directly related to a student's educational program of study and to provide a student with skills that prepare the student for employment.

Degree-seeking students whose curriculum allows credit for work experience can participate.

The following curricula allow the option for students to receive cooperative education credit:

Accounting
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology
Autobody Repair
Automotive Systems Technology
Business Administration
Computer Engineering Technology
Computer Programming
Early Childhood Associate (including Special Education and Teacher Associate)
Electrical Engineering Technology
Electronics Engineering Technology
Industrial Systems Technology
Information Systems
Information Systems Security
Internet Technologies
Machining Technology - Tool, Die, & Mold Making
Manufacturing Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology: Drafting and Design
Medical Office Administration
Networking Technology
Office Systems Technology
Office Systems Technology - Legal

Academic credit is awarded to students for the learning that is gained during the Cooperative Education work experience. Credit hours for Cooperative Education are determined by the total number of hours that students work during the semester. One credit hour is earned for each 10 hours per week of the student's work experience:

Students must: Be employed in a work experience that directly relates to their program of study
Work the entire semester an average of 10 hours a week for one semester hour of credit
Participate in new learning experiences on the job
Have completed a minimum of 9 semester hours in their program of study
Cannot be self-employed or supervised by a family member

Students who have obtained employment in their field of study should contact an academic advisor to ensure that the job is suitable for co-operative education credit and to register for the appropriate COE course. A faculty member who teaches in the student's program of study will supervise the work experience. Credit for work experience requires documentation of hours worked, supervisor evaluation, learning objectives and other things.

Students in specific majors may qualify for Student Trainee positions at the Naval Aviation Depot at Cherry Point Marine Corp Air Station.

Students should contact their advisors to learn more about what students need to do to apply and to obtain copies of announcements for the trades that NADEP is recruiting. Announcements are available only when there are open positions for Student Trainees.

The federal forms OF612 and OF306 are required as a part of the application package and can be accessed, completed, and printed from the Office of Personnel Management Electronic Forms website. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to access these forms. You can get Adobe Reader free!

For more information about Cooperative Education opportunities at Craven Community College, contact your faculty advisor.

Apprenticeships / Co-op Programs