Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP), the fastest-growing youth apprenticeship program in North Carolina, is a collaboration between the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce, Guilford County Schools, Guilford Technical Community College, and more than 30 local companies.
Growing a stronger, more skilled workforce.
Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) gives rising high school seniors and recent graduates an opportunity to further their education debt-free while gaining paid work experience. Upon completion of GAP, students receive their associate’s degree and a journeyman’s certificate and have a well-paying job waiting for them. GAP currently offers students apprenticeships in six industry sectors: automotive, aviation, advanced manufacturing, IT/cybersecurity, HVAC, and supply chain and logistics.
Why is this initiative important to our community?
GAP gives ambitious students a way to earn a free college degree, while getting paid for the time they are in class as well as for their time on the job. Graduates earn an associate’s degree from Guilford Technical Community College and have the option to transfer those credits to toward earning a bachelor’s degree once they have completed the apprenticeship program.
The value of college classes plus pay received for training on the job and in the classroom is the equivalent of a $125,000 scholarship. Many of GAP’s participating employers also offer health insurance, 401(k), and paid-time-off benefits to their apprentices.
VISIT GUILFORD APPRENTICESHIP PARTNERSWhat is our goal with this initiative?
Technical industries across our area are facing a critical juncture: their current workforce is aging out and they are struggling to find enough skilled talent to replace them. The goal of GAP is to create a strong pipeline of skilled talent in order to maintain and grow the industries that call Guilford County home.
From a workforce perspective, GAP helps participating companies identify their future employees and leaders, as well as train and grow these employees. From an education perspective, GAP gives students an opportunity to receive a free college degree, a paycheck, and to graduate with a full-time position waiting. That’s a win-win for everyone in our community.
Since the program’s inception in July 2018, there have been:
Ways you can support Guilford Apprenticeship Partners
Become a participating employer
More than 30 companies of all sizes and across multiple industries are already benefiting from youth apprenticeship. Join them today.
Learn More
Donate via check
A check made out to “Guilford Apprenticeship Partners” can be sent by mail to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro at:
CFGG
301 North Elm St., Suite 100
Greensboro, NC 27401
Stocks and other gifts
Gifts of stocks, securities, real estate, IRA distributions, or life insurance are accepted to support the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners initiative. Stock gifts should be emailed to the Community Foundation and initiated through your broker. Please include details of stock name, number of shares, and which fund to credit.
Contact KateApplying for an apprenticeship with Guilford Apprenticeship Partners
Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) offers students opportunities across a range of fields and industries. However, it’s important to keep in mind that apprenticeships take strong dedication, to both your courses and training.
GAP requires the following for all apprenticeship applicants:
- Minimum unweighted GPA of 2.8*
- Must be a high school junior or senior
- Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3
- Good attendance (no more than 5 absences per year)
- Commitment of parent/guardian and student
*Some exceptions are made for students who have a GPA of 2.5 to 2.799 and meet other requirements.