The community is invited to learn about the various apprenticeship programs offered through the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center at an open house from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10 at NIC’s Parker Technical Education Center, 7064 W. Lancaster Road, Rathdrum.

More than 10 regional trade employers will be on site to meet with job seekers and potential apprentices.

“Employers are looking to invest in the right people," NIC Workforce Training Center Apprenticeship Program manager Brenda Hamilton said in a Wednesday news release. "This is a perfect way to make that connection and embark on a career."

The NIC Workforce Training Center offers apprenticeships in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, construction, heavy equipment, medical assistant, dental assistant and certified nursing assistant. Apprenticeships allow employees to work while taking classes during their off time.

“There’s funding available that will pay up to 80% of a program,” Hamilton said. “There is Idaho LAUNCH funding available for adults and high school seniors,”

Each apprenticeship is different. Some are four-year programs while others last a few months. Many of the apprenticeships, such as the newly created construction and heavy equipment programs, will lead to journeyman trade certificates. Journeymen typically have significantly higher salaries than non-certified employees.

The open house is being held in conjunction with the 86th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act and the U.S. Department of Labor’s ninth annual National Apprenticeship Week. According to apprenticeship.gov, workers who complete registered apprenticeship programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their career when compared to peers who did not.

“Registered apprenticeship is a proven way to obtain pathways to secure, high-paying careers,” Hamilton said. “This open house will showcase what’s available in our region and how to pay for it. Everyone’s welcome – just show up.”

Visit nic.edu/wtc, call 208-769-3333 or email apprenticeship@nic.edu for information about the NIC Workforce Training Center Apprenticeship Program Open House, apprenticeships and programs offered through the center, 

Visit nic.edu/idaholaunch for details about the Idaho Launch program.