Cromwell Leads Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships

Debbie Cromwell has been named director of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships at A-B Tech, which is an academic course blending classroom learning with practical work experience related to the field of study.

Work-based learning components help ensure a well-skilled pipeline for growing industries. In addition to contributing to local and regional economies, these components provide students and graduates with a lifelong ability to support themselves and their families.

“Components of Work-Based learning (WBL) include internships, special projects, job shadowing, transition activities, service learning, mentoring, pre-apprenticeship, hybrid, and registered apprenticeships,” Cromwell said. “In addition, we help industry partners and students connect for that ‘direct hire’ need.”

Apprenticeships offer students a great advantage in the job market.

“Apprenticeships are built to fit the exact hiring needs of employers. A registered apprenticeship means training that combines instruction at a worksite during paid employment with related classroom education that culminates in an industry-recognized credential,” Cromwell said.

A-B Tech collaborates with Apprentice-shipNC and the local industry to expand WBL opportunities for its students, business, and industry partners. “With the apprenticeship you are in a training program that meets the needs of the employer with three basic components,” Cromwell said.

Components include structured on-the-job learning, related educational courses through A-B Tech, and a progressive wage scale that gives the apprentice the opportunity to get a raise with every new skill learned.

Cromwell said A-B Tech became the first college in the state to offer comprehensive culinary and early childhood education apprenticeships this year. Caitlyn Wright is the culinary apprentice based at Givens Estates. “It took several majors and 30 years to realize how much I wanted to do this, but I couldn’t go to school and work full-time, so this apprenticeship was too good to be true. I would absolutely recommend the apprenticeship program to anyone. It changed my life,” Wright said.

Connecting students to potential employers and investing in Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities are critical to strengthening the state’s workforce, according to Cromwell.

“The number one requirement for businesses in NC right now, is skilled, educated talent. In a time when we have suffered setbacks due to the pandemic, companies are having difficulty finding employees with the necessary skills or desired level of competency-specific knowledge,” she said.

For more information, visit abtech.edu/WBL