Apprenticeships: The Game-Changing Route to Career Success

In July, the U.S. Department of Labor granted the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) a significant $6 million to establish a statewide hub for registered apprenticeships aimed at high school students and adults. This initiative presents a critical opportunity for many Arizonans seeking viable career paths while avoiding burdensome college debt.

Despite this progress, numerous schools continue to advocate for traditional college paths, which may not fulfill all students’ needs.

Dr. Chad Wilson reflects on the perception of a college education as the singular pathway to success. Drawing from his own extensive educational background, he acknowledges that while higher education opened professional doors for him, it doesn’t suit everyone. Many students today prioritize immediate employment over prolonged education.

Starting in January, EVIT is launching four apprenticeship programs, including Electrical, HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration), Plumbing, and Structural Metal Fabrication (Welding). The cost is $2,500 annually, offering 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training alongside 600 hours of related technical instruction. Furthermore, a fifth program, Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship, is set to begin in July. Such opportunities can lead to six-figure salaries, allowing students to earn while they learn.

Located in Mesa, EVIT will extend its apprenticeship programs to students across Arizona thanks to the new funding.

The Covid pandemic reshaped perceptions of employment, emphasizing the value of essential work and prompting many to reconsider the traditional college track that often leads to significant debt without guaranteed jobs.

Discussions about post-high school pathways must incorporate apprenticeships and trade schools alongside community colleges and universities. In many European nations, apprenticeships are esteemed career options, a perspective that remains underappreciated in the United States.

To address this, EVIT offers diverse programs tailored to individual needs. Advocacy efforts resulted in EVIT gaining the ability to offer associate degrees in specific fields, such as nursing and surgical technology. The institute is also committed to providing pathways for students seeking professional licenses and certifications while still in high school, as well as developing a STEM Academy and programs for adults aiming to earn their GED.

By fostering unique educational pathways tailored to individual goals, EVIT aims to transform students’ futures.

For further information on EVIT apprenticeship programs, visit www.evit.edu/apprenticeships. Employers interested in becoming apprenticeship sites can reach out to apprenticeship coordinator Lindsey Gregor at lgregor@evit.edu or call (480) 461-4016.

Dr. Chad Wilson serves as the superintendent of the East Valley Institute of Technology and has been recognized twice by Arizona Capitol Times as a leader in education policy.