The NC General Assembly recently approved $12 million in funding to expand apprenticeship in the state (Session Law 2021-180 Section 6.14). The $12M is being used to provide funds for employers to add new apprentices ages 16-25 based on the following criteria:
- Small businesses within Tier 1 & 2 counties in sectors with high-demand careers (no more than 500 employees in the location)
- $2,000 per year for employers to onboard and train apprentices
- $2,500 per year for apprentice’s tuition, books, and fees
- Up to $15/hr. (non-high school) and up to $14/hr. (high school) salary match (50% reimbursement)
- Apprentices must be hired effective July 1, 2022, or later (you may register your apprenticeship program prior to 7/1 and enroll apprentices after that date to take advantage of the funding)
- Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026
- Funding will be coordinated through the NC Community College System
- Pre-apprenticeships are not eligible for these incentives
The high demand careers include, but are not limited to, the following occupation codes (please contact your community college apprenticeship coordinator or ApprenticeshipNC consultant for specifics):
- Architecture and Engineering (17-0000)
- Education (25-0000)
- Healthcare Technicians (29-0000)
- Healthcare Support (31-0000)
- Protective Service (33-0000)
- Food Preparation and Service (35-0000)
- Office and Administrative Support (43-0000)
- Construction and Extraction (47-0000)
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repairs (49-0000)
- Production (51-0000)
- Transportation (53-0000)
