Earn While You Learn

An apprenticeship is a unique struc­tured training method, one that, for centuries, has been the method of choice of industries that demand highly skilled, competent, and flex­ible workers. Apprenticeships offer a blend of “learning by doing” and theoretical instruction.

“Apprenticeships are a pathway to earn while you learn,” said Nickolas Trujillo, West Hills Community College District Director of Apprenticeship Programs. “They combine on-the-job training with related supplemental instruction from our colleges. Ap­prenticeships are paid and are always connected to an employer.”

West Hills apprenticeship programs help meet industry and occupational needs. The training includes a pro­gression of tasks on the job, under su­pervision and classroom instruction.

“Apprenticeships help both employ­ers and students,” said Trujillo. “For employers, it is a way to develop pipelines for new employees or freely upskill current employees. For stu­dents, they get tuition-free courses while earning journey-level certifica­tion from the State of California and a Certificate of Achievement from either West Hills College Coalinga or West Hills College Lemoore.”

Technological innovation, workforce shortages, and upskilling demand drive many industries to seek appren­ticeship programs. “West Hills works with employers to create tuition-free apprenticeship programs that pro­duce knowledgeable, productive, skilled employees,” said Trujillo. For more information about WHCCD Apprenticeship visit https://westhills.cc/apprenticeship

Developed Pathways

Agriculture - Food Science Safety was launched in November 2020 through the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Instruc­tion is fully online at West Hills College Coalinga. Employer con­nections include Sensient Natural Ingredients and Morning Star. Stu­dents take 1-2 classes a semester and are working 40 hours a week. Students are training to become Quality Assurance Technicians.

Human Resources was launched in April 2020 through the California Division of Apprenticeship Stand­ards. Instruction is fully online with West Hills College Lemoore. Employer Connections include: Olam Food Ingredients and City of Coalinga. Training is focused on developing entry-level Human Resource employees.

Early Childhood Educator was launched in November 2020 through the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Instruction is fully online with West Hills College Coalinga. Em­ployer Connections include: Kings Community Action Organization, Preston Green Learning Center, and Roosevelt Elementary School. Students are training for assistant teacher positions at the K-3 level.

Pathways in the Works

Industrial Maintenance Mechanics launch is planned in Summer 2022 and is through the US Department of Labor. Instruction is being planned at West Hills College Lem­oore. Training will focus on industri­al automation to support industrial and agricultural employers. Possi­ble employer connections include: Del Monte and Ruiz Foods

Information Technology - Security and Networking: WHCCD was awarded a $125,000 California Apprenticeship Initiative Grant to plan apprenticeship pathways and connect coursework for IT security and networking careers. Instruction is being planned at West Hills Col­lege Lemoore. Once planning is complete, WHCCD will receive an additional $500,000 grant to connect employers and implement the new apprenticeship program.

Culinary Arts and Hospitality: WHCCD was awarded a $500,000 California Apprenticeship Initia­tive Grant to plan apprenticeship pathways and connect coursework for lodging management, chief/ head cook, and bartender careers. Instruction is being planned at West Hills College Lemoore.