Wake Technical Community College and Wake County Public Schools are partnering to launch the WakeWorks Youth Apprenticeship Academy, a free pathway for high school students to explore skilled-trades careers while earning college credit, EdNC reported.
The program is supported by a $4 million award from Bloomberg Philanthropies and is part of a broader national initiative to expand routes into registered apprenticeships. Juniors will begin as pre-apprentices, taking tuition-free Wake Tech courses, receiving a stipend and exploring career options. As seniors, students can move into a registered youth apprenticeship, continue coursework and earn wages while working with local employers.
The first cohort is expected to begin in January 2027 with 60 students, with the academy projected to serve 250 students over three years. The model includes support for books, tools, advising, coaching, transportation assistance and employer wage subsidies. For families and educators, the program offers a concrete example of how schools, colleges and employers can work together to help students graduate with skills, experience and multiple next-step options.
Source credit: This news brief is based on reporting from EdNC.
Original headline: Wake Tech partners with Wake County Public Schools to launch WakeWorks Youth Apprenticeship Academy
Original author: Molly Steur
Original publication date: 2026-06-15
Original source: Read the original article.
Featured image credit: ATIIC.
