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New College Institute and IALR to Host Event for 2024 National Apprenticeship Week

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New College Institute and IALR to Host Event for 2024 National Apprenticeship Week

New College Institute and IALR to Host Event for 2024 National Apprenticeship Week

New College Institute (NCI) and The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are excited to host “Beyond the Traditional: Expanding Apprenticeship Opportunities in Emerging Industries” on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This event will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at New College Institute’s Baldwin Building, located at 191 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA 24112.

Employers will learn about opportunities for Registered Apprenticeship in emerging industries like hospitality and healthcare, as well as discover how virtual reality technology can enhance training by using the virtual reality training equipment available at NCI.

“Apprenticeship is increasingly being recognized as an effective workforce strategy across a variety of nontraditional sectors, including healthcare and hospitality,” said Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR. “This event aims to highlight how Registered Apprenticeship can open doors in these industries, providing participants with an interactive look at how innovative training approaches like VR simulations can prepare them for success.”

IALR administers the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program, which supports the creation and implementation of apprenticeship programs for employers.

The Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy (PRCJTA) will demonstrate the MILO Range Theater simulator, which gives trainees a fully immersive and realistic training environment with its 180° field of view. Because of its size, trainees interact from all directions, allowing them to respond to multiple conflicts and apply proper tactics simultaneously. With just the click of a button from the instructor’s computer, each scenario can be played out in multiple different ways depending on the trainee’s responses.

NCI and PRCJTA allow employers to use the MILO Range Theater simulator for de-escalation training that can be incorporated into a Registered Apprenticeship program. For just $100, groups of 4-10 trainees can participate in a four-hour training course where they will receive an overview of the scenario, receive hands-on training, participate in simulation exercises, and debrief what they’ve learned. This simulator offers real-life training scenarios and provides the option to film and create your own scenarios.

“We partnered with the Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy to bring the MILO Range Theater Simulator to NCI for law enforcement training, but other organizations can greatly benefit from this training as well,” exclaimed Joe Sumner, Executive Director for NCI. “If there isn’t already a scenario uploaded into the system that fits an employer’s needs, we can create personalized scenarios for organizations who need particular training in a specific facility.”

Registration is required to attend the event. 

Employer Registration 

About New College Institute: New College Institute (NCI) is a premier educational institution located in Martinsville, Virginia. NCI offers a wide range of academic programs, professional development opportunities, and community engagement initiatives. The Institute is dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities through accessible, innovative, and high-quality educational opportunities.

NCI Website 

About The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg, along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. 

IALR Website 

Expanding Registered Apprenticeship in the EMS Sector

Expanding Registered Apprenticeship in the EMS Sector

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has supported the creation of both Virginia’s first emergency medical technician (EMT) registered apprenticeship program and Virginia’s first registered paramedic apprenticeship program.

Virtually every industry is struggling to maintain a skilled workforce, and the emergency medical services (EMS) field is no exception.

With higher call volumes, increasing demand for services, and the persistent threat of burnout among EMS professionals, the need for innovative workforce strategies has become even more critical.

Two Southern Virginia EMS providers have recently created registered apprenticeship programs as a creative, win-win strategy to grow and maintain their workforces. These programs are appealing because they allow apprentices to earn fair wages during employer-sponsored on-the-job and classroom training.

Two cohorts totaling 18 employees are participating in the Danville Life Saving Crew’s EMT Registered Apprenticeship program – the first in the commonwealth of Virginia – which launched in October 2023 and takes a year to complete.

Franklin County Public Safety has five people enrolled in the first cohort of its Paramedic Registered Apprenticeship program, which launched in January 2024 and was created with several partners.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), which supports the creation of registered apprenticeship programs across Southern Virginia through its Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program, has helped both EMS organizations navigate the creation and implementation of a successful apprenticeship program. Staff are using this experience to work with and educate other localities and EMS providers across Southern Virginia.

“Construction and utilities sectors are commonly associated with apprenticeship. But there’s a wave of exciting opportunities in nontraditional sector apprenticeships, such as healthcare and emergency medical services, early childhood education and technology. Apprenticeship can absolutely be implemented in nontraditional sectors.” – Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR

Apprenticeship in Southern Virginia

State Registered Apprenticeship provides on-the-job training, related technical instruction (RTI) and a paid job as one cohesive experience, making them the “pinnacle” work-based learning opportunity. Registered apprenticeship is a high-quality, industry-driven workforce training strategy that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction to develop highly skilled employees in a particular occupation.

Trainees receive pay increases as they acquire skills and training milestones, culminating in a nationally recognized journeyworker credential upon completion. This credential, along with practical experience, enables them to mentor future apprentices, ensuring a steady supply of skilled talent for businesses.

Apprenticeship programs mandate at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction, which can typically be completed within a year. However, some programs may require as much as 10,000 hours of on-the-job training, depending on the complexity of the occupation and the skills involved.

Employers can customize the related technical instruction according to their specific needs. They can choose the instruction provider or even deliver the instruction themselves, ensuring that the training aligns precisely with the skills and competencies required for the role.

From 2022 to the present, IALR’s ExTRA program has helped register 60 apprentices and 24 registered apprenticeship programs. Many more programs are in varying stages of development. Through ExTRA, as a state-approved and award-winning apprenticeship intermediary, IALR provides the following types of support to employers across the 15 localities in GO Virginia Region 3:

  • Stakeholder education
  • Technical assistance to develop and register apprenticeship programs and apprentices with Virginia Works, the State Apprenticeship Agency
  • Grant funding to support employer-related technical instruction costs up to $2,700 annually per apprentice
  • Connections to employers and talent
  • Apprenticeship consortium network

Reducing Barriers

Historically, the Danville Life Saving Crew had few options for recruiting EMTs. They could hire people who already had their training from somewhere else, or people could pay for EMT courses on their own on a part-time or full-time basis.

The EMT Registered Apprenticeship program, an extension of a paid recruit academy framework that the Danville Life Saving Crew implemented earlier in 2023, allows them to hire and train those with no previous experience.

“With the apprenticeship program, we can select people who have the right mentality but don’t have the means to obtain the certification on their own. This allows us to bring that group together and create this class of people who wouldn’t be able to do this without the apprenticeship program.” – Johnny Mills, CEO of the Danville Life Saving Crew

The apprentices spend most of the first 10 weeks completing their RTI with the Danville Area Training Center, preparing for their EMT-Basic exam. After passing their exam, the apprentices will be certified EMT-Basics and continue on-the-job training with increased duties alongside a mentor. After their one-year term, these apprentices will receive their journeyworker credential.

The paid on-the-job training and front-loaded RTI have simplified the process of finding quality candidates.

“The participants know up front that they’ll get paid to be here and complete the training. That’s a big recruitment tool for people jumping into the EMS field.” – Brian Alderson, Director of the Danville Area Training Center

Lily Hensley, one of the eight apprentices in the second cohort, which launched in early March, had spent her career to date working in customer service. She had tried part-time classes while working full-time, but that format did not work for her.

“This paid on-the-job training is a great way for me to absorb this information and get more hands-on instruction. I’m glad to be able to come in all day and focus on this, get a better experience and more ride time. All while getting a paycheck.” – Lily Hensley, EMT Apprentice with the Danville Life Saving Crew

The Danville Life Saving Crew will open a third station on the east side of the City of Danville later this year, requiring additional staff.

“This apprenticeship program is helping make it easier for the City of Danville to staff the extra ambulances.” – Johnny Mills, CEO of the Danville Life Saving Crew

Taking it to the Next Level

While the Danville Life Saving Crew uses an apprenticeship program to get more people in the door as EMTs, Franklin County Public Safety uses apprenticeship as an opportunity to upskill and recruit.

In the EMS world, EMT is the entry-level. Then there is Advanced EMT, and finally there is Paramedic.

And that has proven to be the most challenging position for Franklin County Public Safety to keep filled.

“We’re understaffed. We’re short at least one paramedic on every shift. In essence, that’s a truck down. Then if we have staff who are sick or taking vacation, we are scrambling to find people.” – Hamp Ingram, EMS Coordinator, Franklin County Public Safety

Franklin County Public Safety launched the Paramedic Apprenticeship program early in 2024 with the support of several partners.

  • IALR: Provided support and education throughout the registration and program creation process, making connections to state partners and funding resources.
  • The Franklin Center: Houses the classes.
  • Virginia Commonwealth University Health System: Provides the related technical instruction (classroom curriculum).
  • Carilion (Franklin Memorial): Offers a venue for clinicals and provides some equipment and supplies.
  • Ferrum College: Plans to create a Fire/EMS bachelor’s degree to connect to this apprenticeship.

“A primary reason we started the program is the hope that we could recruit EMS providers to join our organization and become advanced-level providers while working with us. It’s going to help all the way around.” – Hamp Ingram, EMS Coordinator, Franklin County Public Safety

Most paramedic programs take about two years to complete; Franklin County Public Safety designed their course to take just fifteen months. Holding an EMT certification is a prerequisite to participating in the apprenticeship program, which includes paramedicine basics and advanced life support skills. These apprentices are largely completing their classroom, clinical and truck time simultaneously and will continue to add responsibility as they progress and gain more skills.

The first and current cohort has 10 participants. Five of these are registered as apprentices and work for Franklin County Public Safety; the others are participating in the instruction to become certified paramedics and work other places.

Andy Pendelton is a fire marshal with Franklin County Public Safety. With experience in law enforcement and EMS, Pendleton has held his EMT for about fifteen years in total. He was thrilled to hear about the paramedic apprenticeship program that would allow him to continue earning as he went.

“I want to be able to go to the next level and provide more care, and I wouldn’t have been able to get my paramedic without this program.” – Andy Pendleton, Fire Marshal and Paramedic Apprentice, Franklin County

Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors

Traditionally, apprenticeship programs have been synonymous with the construction and trades industries, where hands-on experience and specialized skills are critical. The combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction is perfect for traditional fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and welding.

While IALR has supported organizations in those sectors, the ExTRA program is helping Southern Virginia employers navigate the creation of programs in non-traditional sectors like EMS. Other apprenticeship programs in the works include digital marketing, UX design and early childhood education. Based on the success of the Franklin County and Danville Life Saving Crew programs, other EMS agencies are exploring apprenticeship options with Natori Neal.

“We helped Danville Life Saving Crew and Franklin County Public Safety through the entire registration process, and we are ready to help other employers, no matter what sector they’re in, create effective apprenticeship programs.” – Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator at IALR

IALR Recognized with Prestigious Award for Apprenticeship Intermediary Role

IALR Recognized with Prestigious Award for Apprenticeship Intermediary Role

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) received the silver Outstanding Apprenticeship Intermediary Award from the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works). This award recognizes impactful and growing contributions to workforce development through IALR’s Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program.

“We are honored to be recognized for our contributions as an apprenticeship intermediary. This award is a testament to IALR’s commitment to increasing access to registered apprenticeship programs and the invaluable partnerships we’ve forged with workforce stakeholders. We will continue to promote Registered Apprenticeship as the gold standard of work-based learning in Southern Virginia.” — Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR

Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR and Carrie Roth, Director of Virginia Works

At the 6th Annual Outstanding Apprenticeship Awards held on Feb. 15, 2024, at Reynolds Community College in Henrico, Va., Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator at IALR, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The event, hosted by the State Apprenticeship Agency, Virginia Works, marks the first year awards were presented to acknowledge intermediaries, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the future of apprenticeship programs. As an apprenticeship intermediary, IALR can provide employers with technical assistance to develop a state-registered apprenticeship program as well as stakeholder education, grant funding to support related technical instruction (RTI) costs and connections to employers and talent.

“IALR is proud to serve as a connector, a convener, and a partner in impactful initiatives across different industries, all with the overarching mission of driving economic transformation. By connecting employers with resources and providing education and technical expertise, the ExTRA program exemplifies our commitment to win-win work-based-learning opportunities and a dynamic economy where every person can find opportunity and every business can thrive.” – IALR President Telly Tucker

IALR was one of only two recipients statewide of the Intermediary Award, with the gold award going to Hamilton-Ryker Talent Gro, a staffing and workforce solutions company serving multiple states. In addition to IALR’s accolade, Comfort Systems USA Mid-Atlantic – an ExTRA employer partner that sponsors plumbing and welding apprenticeship programs for youth and adults – was also honored with a Regional Outstanding Apprenticeship award.

J.R. Griffin, President of Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic , Jamie Lynn Anderson Lindley (Outreach, Recruiting, & Training Manager), Carrie Roth, Director of Virginia Works

“IALR’s support of Registered Apprenticeship through it’s role as an Intermediary is one prong of IALR’s multi-faceted work-based learning framework- EmPOWER. Through EmPOWER our team works to facilitate pathways that connect students to careers and employers to their future talent. Registered Apprenticeship and other work-based learning models, such as internships and mentorships, cultivate employees equipped with the skills essential to our regional employers.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR

Jim Foti, US Dept. of Labor Employment and Training Administration Regional Director, Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR, State Secretary of Labor, Bryan Slater, and Kara Joyce, Virginia Works Regional Apprenticeship Consultant

Virginia Works Director Carrie Roth and Chief Deputy Director Angela Kelly Wiecek were on hand to present the awards, acknowledging the outstanding efforts of IALR and its partners in advancing apprenticeship initiatives across the state. By partnering with local businesses and educational institutions, IALR continues to pave the way for Virginia’s next generation of skilled workers.

About ExTRA

Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Businesses

Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Businesses

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking employers and businesses across Southern Virginia to partner and participate in work-based learning programs.

“We encourage employers across Southern Virginia to participate in our programs, which help employers grow the regional workforce and allow students to connect and learn about quality career opportunities in the region.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR

Each of the programs below is part of IALR’s EmPOWER framework, an employer-driven system to empower and connect students to careers. Through career awareness, engagement and experience IALR builds pipelines of students whose skillsets align with current employer needs and economic development interests.

AspHIRE – Meet Your Future Workforce

IALR is looking for volunteers to participate as mock interviewers or session presenters at AspHIRE mock interview days across Southern Virginia. The mock interview days allow high school seniors – as well as some juniors – to hone their interview skills with a local professional. Students take part in a formal business lunch and several work-readiness sessions.

The AspHIRE Mock Interview Days will take place at the following locations and times:

  • Danville, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research: March 5 and 7
  • Farmville, Longwood University: March 13
  • South Boston, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center: March 26

The minimum volunteer commitment is 1.5 hours, but business professionals and employers who would like to invest more time are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Volunteer Interest Form 

Ignite – Internships

IALR is looking for businesses that can host a high school or college intern this summer. Companies will receive assistance in navigating the logistics of creating an internship program and finding talent. IALR also connects employers with available resources – including matching funds and mentor training – from partners like the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (Virginia TOP).

More than 25,000 students across Southern Virginia have access to MajorClarity, a work-based learning platform where all internships will be posted. This gives businesses access to the best and brightest students across the region. Internship duration and hours are customizable and companies may be eligible for matching funds for the cost of the intern.

Internship Support

Employer Internship Interest Form

Next generation Of Work (NOW) – Teamship

IALR is looking for businesses interested in having teams of students tackle a pressing business problem – a process that provides benefits for students and benefits for employers. The time commitment for businesses participating in NOW is just five hours; students are supported by a District C-certified coach.

Past business participants have posed problems such as staffing difficulties, EPA regulations, and the adoption of new technology.

Businesses meet with the students three times during the Teamship process and receive real solutions to their problems. The next cohort of NOW-Teamshp will begin April 8. Businesses that are interested in participating should contact Jessie Vernon no later than March 11. 

Next generation Of Work (NOW)

Exploring Careers Through Industry Teacher Externships (Excite)

IALR is looking for businesses to host teachers or school counselors through Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE), a professional development program for educators across 15 counties in Virginia. This teacher externship program connects the classroom to the workplace. Teachers can use their experiences to design and implement classroom activities, projects and work-based learning opportunities that will add relevance and meaning to students’ classroom learning.

Participating businesses commit between one and three days during the summer to host educators. There is no financial commitment associated with this program.

Businesses interested in hosting an educator this summer can contact Kiana Dillard. The deadline to sign up to host an educator is May 3.

Business Interest Form 

Educator Interest Form

Sector-Focused Camps

In addition to summer STEM camps hosted at IALR, IALR works with local employers to develop and implement sector-focused camps. These camps, which can range from a single day to a whole week, provide an opportunity to introduce students to targeted industries – and help them discover career paths to enter these fields.

Past sector-focused camps have focused on industries like local government, healthcare and construction.

Businesses that are interested in hosting student tours, serving as guest speakers/instructors, or sponsoring a sector-focused camp should contact Jessie Vernon.

Registered Apprenticeship

In partnership with IALR, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during an October ceremony.

IALR also supports the development and implementation of successful registered apprenticeship programs for employers across Southern Virginia through the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program. Registered apprenticeship is an industry-driven workforce training strategy that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction to develop highly skilled employees in a particular occupation

State Registered Apprenticeship is ideal for various sectors like construction, healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing and information technology.

Through ExTRA, IALR provides technical assistance in the creation of apprenticeship programs, grant funding, connections to employers and talent, and more.

Employers that are interested in apprenticeships should contact Natori Neal.

Apprenticeships 

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER

The December edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…

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Inside IALR Podcast: Apprenticeships: Pipeline of Skilled Talent

Inside IALR Podcast: Apprenticeships: Pipeline of Skilled Talent

“Registered apprenticeships still have a lot of space for training and developing the next generation of talent.” – Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator

The “Inside IALR” team highlights the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program and how it supports Southern Virginia employers in exploring and establishing registered apprenticeship programs with the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry. This special edition episode features a conversation with IALR Advanced Learning Apprenticeship Coordinator Natori Neal, Danville Life Saving Crew Chief Executive Officer Johnny Mills and Outreach Recruiting and Training Manager Jamie Lynn Lindley of Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic.

They discuss what IALR’s role is in developing apprenticeship programs across Southern Virginia (00:54), how an apprenticeship differs from a traditional employment opportunity (01:48) and the benefits of apprenticeships for employers and businesses (15:46) and the impact moving forward.

 

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Danville Life Saving Crew, IALR Launch State’s First Registered EMT Apprenticeship Program

Danville Life Saving Crew, IALR Launch State’s First Registered EMT Apprenticeship Program

In partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during a ceremony on Oct 6. Over the next several months, these 13 apprentices will be fully employed with the Danville Life Saving Crew while they study and practice in a classroom environment in preparation to obtain their Emergency Medical Technician Certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. In addition to the National Registry certification, each person completing the program will obtain their Journeyworker Credential from the State Apprenticeship Agency. The EMT apprenticeship program is one year, which equates to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training.

“IALR is proud to work with the Danville Life Saving Crew to facilitate the development and launch of the first Registered EMT Apprenticeship program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In a time when emergency service providers around the country are struggling to hire and retain qualified personnel, this apprenticeship program will increase the number of trained and qualified EMTs for the Danville Life Saving Crew. This innovative program represents a milestone in IALR’s goal to expand talent through registered apprenticeship and demonstrates how apprenticeships can be used to develop skilled workers in non-traditional sectors.” — Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator for IALR, a Virginia Division of Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary and program sponsor

During an Oct. 6 ceremony, the Danville Life Saving Crew signed 13 registered EMT apprentices.

Created in partnership with IALR, this is the first registered EMT apprenticeship program in Virginia.

“This EMT apprenticeship program will benefit the participants by providing mandatory training for an EMT position. Adding a cohort of new EMTs like this enables the Danville Life Saving Crew to grow its team and provide qualified emergency medical personnel for our community. “The Crew piloted this program in 2022 before beginning the process to become registered apprenticeship program sponsors. Working with Tori and the Institute has been easy and successful, and we are very pleased that our program is the first registered EMT apprenticeship program in Virginia.” — Johnny Mills, CEO of the Danville Life Saving Crew

Virginia registered apprenticeship programs require a mix of on-the-job training and related technical instruction (RTI). For this program, the RTI will be front-loaded into the first 10 weeks and provided by the Danville Area Training Center. After completing classwork and waiting for their EMT exam date, the apprentices will work as a third person on an Emergency Response Vehicle. After passing their exam, the apprentices will be certified EMT-Basics and can continue on-the-job training with increased duties alongside a mentor. The apprentices will respond to emergency calls, provide basic life support/pre-hospital services to the critically ill and injured, and transport patients to a medical facility, always working in collaboration with and under the direction of other crew members and the incident command.

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) Division of Registered Apprenticeship approved the Danville Area Training Center as a private RTI provider earlier this year. The apprenticeship program was officially registered with DOLI in April.

Danville Life Saving Crew/IALR Registered EMT Apprenticeship Program

After their one-year term, these apprentices will receive their Journeyworker Credential, a portable, nationally recognized credential from the State Apprenticeship Agency that demonstrates mastery of skills and competencies. In addition to the EMT and Journeymen certificates, participants will also earn CPR and Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certifications. After obtaining these certifications, these individuals can then serve as mentors for future EMT apprentices.

Registered apprenticeship is an occupation-specific training model designed to produce highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers. The model includes a paid job experience for employees that includes a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction.

“The Division of Registered Apprenticeship is proud to partner with IALR to increase the reach of registered apprenticeships as a training and career pathway. The registered apprenticeship program with Danville Life Saving Crew demonstrates new ways to utilize the RA model to increase needed emergency credentials. This opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ will broaden the pool of trained emergency personnel for the Danville area, illustrating why registered apprenticeship is a win for everyone from the DLSC to the citizens whom they will serve.” — Kara Joyce, Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

Through the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeships (ExTRA) program, IALR has helped establish 18 apprenticeship programs with various companies across Southern Virginia in industries like construction, healthcare and manufacturing. Some of these companies have already hired apprentices to complete those programs, whereas others are working through logistics before beginning to hire apprentices. IALR’s efforts to expand registered apprenticeship programs in Southern Virginia are supported by grants from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. These grants fund both IALR’s Apprenticeship Coordinator — Natori Neal, who began work in February 2022 — and reimburse eligible RTI costs for employers establishing new registered apprenticeship programs.

IALR’s apprenticeship program is part of the EmPOWER framework, an employer-driven, work-based learning system of programs that systematically connects students to careers through focus areas like career awareness, career exposure and engagement opportunities, and career experience through apprenticeships, internships and other work-based learning programs.

“Working with partners to connect students to careers and prepare Southern Virginia residents for career opportunities is a major focus of IALR. The new, unique Registered EMT Apprenticeship program exemplifies our commitment to workforce development that meets the needs of both the trainees and the employers in the region.” — Jessie Vernon, IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager 

The Virginia Career Works West Piedmont Region is partnering to provide supportive services for apprentices in the program, including 50% wage reimbursement to DLSC for 10 weeks. They will also provide monetary incentives to apprentices for reaching certain milestones during the program.

About the Danville Area Training Center

The Danville Area Training Center was established and dedicated in 2003 to provide a regional training facility to the city of Danville and nearby agencies. Today, the Danville Area Training Center (DATC) educates thousands of healthcare providers, EMTs, and community members annually. The DATC offers courses in First Aid and CPR, Basic and Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Emergency Medical Technician, Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Mass Casualty and Traffic Incident Management.

Danville Area Training Center Website

About the Danville Life Saving Crew

Serving the City of Danville and portions of the surrounding counties, the Danville Life Saving Crew employs volunteers and career staff to provide prehospital care. First founded in 1945, the Danville Life Saving Crew’s mission is to be the leader in delivering prehospital care to the sick and injured. It is also their goal to provide superior training to our members and members of other agencies throughout the community.

Danville Life Saving Crew Website

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s primary service area is Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. 

Driving Economic Transformation 

IALR Receives Nearly $500,000 Grant to Expand Apprenticeships Within 15 Southern Virginia Localities

IALR Receives Nearly $500,000 Grant to Expand Apprenticeships Within 15 Southern Virginia Localities

IALR to create regional apprenticeship consortium and serve as VA DOLI intermediary sponsor for employers

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) has awarded the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) a grant of $497,890 for its ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeships) program to grow state registered apprenticeships within the 15 Southern Virginia localities throughout GO Virginia Region 3. IALR will create a regional apprenticeship consortium to recruit apprentices and employers, as well as serve as the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) intermediary sponsor to help employers lacking capacity to fulfill the role as primary sponsor.

Virginia’s Registered Apprenticeship program is an occupation-specific training model designed to produce highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers. The model includes a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction with a paid job experience for the employees.

“Apprenticeships are a win-win for both employers and job seekers willing to learn on the job,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President, Advanced Learning, IALR. “The employer remains globally competitive by recruiting and retaining a highly skilled staff, and the job seeker receives a job with a good starting wage, valuable training and the chance to earn a portable Journeyworker credential without accumulating debt.”

In alignment with economic development interests and employer needs, IALR will focus on expanding apprenticeships for occupations in construction, healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing and information technology. TRRC funding will support the following:

  1. continued support for a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator to provide technical assistance to employers in designing apprenticeship opportunities;
  2. incentives to employers to cover the direct costs of the required Related Technical Instruction (anticipated at 144 hours per year per apprenticeship), limited to $2,700 per year per apprentice; and
  3. development of a regional apprenticeship consortium with a website and marketing materials to support recruitment.

IALR plans to provide assistance for up to 36 new apprentices each year for three years, for a total of 108 apprentices (recognizing that depending on the selected occupation apprenticeship, terms can run one, two, three or four years). Employers will provide wages and fringe benefits averaging $16 per hour.

New apprenticeships will be registered through the state DOLI. Apprentices who succeed in this program will receive their Journeyworker credential, a nationally recognized certificate demonstrating an individual has completed an apprenticeship and has the ability to perform all tasks of the trade in the area certified.

The Danville Regional Foundation and employers will provide matching funds for the grant. The total estimated contribution from employers (for apprenticeship wages and benefits) is over $7 million for the three years of the grant period.

The TRRC grant award is a follow-up to the $64,800 2021 TRRC grant award, which funded the development of an implementation plan with a list of employers, by sector, who were interested in establishing an apprenticeship program; and details on the credentials for the different apprenticeship programs and associated training needs. Apprenticeship Coordinator Natori Neal of IALR, hired as part of this project, completed the aforementioned requirements, worked to have IALR approved as a Virginia DOLI intermediary sponsor, and has already begun assisting employers through the apprenticeship process.

“IALR works to increase awareness for registered apprenticeship as a high-quality, work-based learning model, provide companies with program development and registration support, and offer connections to resources that are integral to program sustainability,” said Neal. “We also have the capability to manage the administration of programs for businesses that do not have the capacity to serve as the primary sponsors of apprenticeship programs.”

Neal has helped five employers establish registered apprenticeship programs and currently has one company participating as an employer of record in an IALR-sponsored apprenticeship program.
“The journey to establish our apprenticeship program has not been one we’ve traveled alone,” said Justin Hylton, Vice President of plumbing solutions provider Southside Mechanical Services Inc. in Danville. “We’ve had a lot of help from the folks at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, our DOLI representative, as well as the people with Virginia Technical Institute.”

State registered apprenticeships are one aspect of IALR’s EmPOWER framework to promote work-based learning. An employer-driven system, EmPOWER provides job seekers opportunities and tools for career awareness, career exposure and engagement, and career experience, all to drive employment.

“ExTRA aligns perfectly with the Commonwealth’s goals to increase opportunities for licensing, training and job opportunities for in-demand, high-paying skilled positions,” said Jessie Vernon, Program Manager, IALR. “IALR is here to serve as an accessible resource and helpful guide for businesses and potential apprentices. In this way, we hope to generate more state registered apprenticeships, what we consider to be the pinnacle of work-based learning experiences.”

Interested businesses or potential apprentices should contact Neal at natori.neal@ialr.org or 434.766.6657.

(L-R) First row: John Daniel (Daniel Builders, LLC), Ulises Jimenez, David Sage (Virginia Technical Institute); second row: Natori Neal (IALR), Kara Joyce (Virginia Department of Labor and Industry), and Dr. Julie Brown (IALR) participate in a signing ceremony.

(Left to right) Front: Plumber apprentices Corey Woods, James Hess, Caleb Shelton and Anthony Worsham Jr.; back: Natori Neal, IALR; Kara Joyce, Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI); Justin Hylton, Vice President, Southside Mechanical Services (SMS); George Hylton, Owner/ President, SMS; David Sage, Executive Director, Virginia Technical Institute (VTI); and Jessie Vernon, IALR. IALR worked with DOLI and VTI to help SMS achieve registration as a state apprenticeship sponsor.