The selection recognizes NTC’s strong employer partnerships, workforce expertise and readiness to develop new apprenticeship pathways in high-demand fields. It also reflects the College’s continued commitment to serving as a workforce anchor for Central Wisconsin by helping employers build structured, long-term talent pipelines.

“Being selected for this national cohort is an exciting opportunity for NTC and for our region,” said Brad Gast, Dean of Workforce Training & Professional Development & Apprenticeship. “Apprenticeship is one of the most powerful workforce strategies we have because it connects education directly to employment, mentorship, skill development and long-term career growth.”

Through the project, NTC will receive national technical assistance, planning resources, peer learning opportunities and access to apprenticeship experts to strengthen the College’s role as a Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsor.

This project will help NTC move from supporting apprenticeship related instruction and employer driven training to building a more formal, scalable apprenticeship sponsorship model. As a Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsor, NTC would help coordinate key components of apprenticeship programs, including employer partnerships, related instruction, on the job learning expectations, competency development, wage progression, apprentice support, reporting and long-term program sustainability.

The work will include developing Registered Apprenticeship standards for nontraditional occupations, strengthening employer partnerships, designing internal processes for apprenticeship sponsorship, building systems for apprentice recruitment and support and creating a sustainable model that can expand into future occupations.

“Through this project, we will build the structure needed to expand apprenticeship into nontraditional occupations where our communities and employers need strong talent pipelines,” Dr. Gast said. “This is about helping employers solve real workforce challenges while creating paid, meaningful career pathways for students and working adults.”

By the conclusion of the project, NTC expects to submit Registered Apprenticeship Standards for nontraditional occupations and enroll apprentices in approved pathways. The repeatable apprenticeship framework will be able to support future workforce priorities across the region.