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11.19.2024
This National Apprenticeship Week, the Chamber is proud to celebrate our partnerships with Blue Ridge Community College, local businesses, and individuals advancing workforce development in our community. As the demand for skilled professionals grows, we’re committed to creating partnerships that offer accessible career paths for people at all stages of their journey. Programs like the Business & Banking Apprenticeship and Automotive Apprenticeship help build career opportunities across a variety of industries.
Our partnerships with local businesses reflect the diversity of our community. For example, the Business & Banking Program brings together banks, credit unions, and other business sectors, while in the Automotive Program, we’ve partnered with local dealerships. We’re always open to collaborating with a wide range of businesses to offer a broad spectrum of opportunities. By joining a consortium, companies contribute to workforce development while gaining access to a pipeline of skilled and motivated apprentices.
The positive impact of these programs is evident in the stories from participating businesses. Norman Locey from BMW of Asheville/Fields Auto Group shares:
“BMW of Asheville is very pleased to have Jordi Castillo and Bryant Diaz on our Team. Their continued desire to learn and grow in their careers as Automotive Technicians is truly a complement to The Chamber and Blue Ridge Community. Thank you for playing such a key role in our Team's success.”
Chris Angel from Mountain Credit Union also speaks to the collaborative spirit of the program: "One of the things I’ve enjoyed about being involved in the Apprenticeship program since its inception is the continued involvement and development we do. You don’t just sign the paperwork and back away. Any time there are changes that need to be made to things like the curriculum requirements, pay scale, etc., we are all involved as a cohort."
If you’re a business interested in partnering or an individual exploring a new career, reach out to the Apprenticeship Coordinator, Cassandra Townsend, to learn more. Today, November 19th, join us in recognizing National Apprenticeship Day and celebrating the partnerships that are building a stronger workforce.
For more information on available programs, visit Blue Ridge Community College’s Apprenticeship website.
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