Launch Apprenticeship Network

WHY APPRENTICESHIP?

The skills and aptitudes required for success in the modern workplace are constantly changing. Historically used to develop professionals in the skilled trades, apprenticeship is now a valuable workforce development tool in a wide variety of occupations. Over the past 50 years, the type of industries incorporating apprenticeship programs to develop and grow their workforce has changed drastically.

Women as trainees in welder apprenticeship with instructor

As apprenticeships continue to evolve, the basic concept remains the same. People new to an industry work alongside experienced veterans to leverage the institutional knowledge of current employees with theoretical learning from the classroom. Modern apprenticeship programs now play an integral role in industries such as manufacturing, information technology, tourism, health care, transportation and logistics and energy.

COLLEGE WITHOUT DEBT

The LAUNCH program blends classroom education with real-world experience, helping individuals gain both the knowledge and experience needed to succeed. See how the program works and hear why it provides a new pathway to success for career-builders and a talent development strategy for businesses.

WHAT IS LAUNCH?

The LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network was originally formed in 2018 by the Inland Empire Desert Region College Consortium and leverages the workforce and education systems of the region’s community colleges, K-12 districts, and two Workforce Development Boards. By integrating apprenticeship into these organizations and institutions, LAUNCH acts as an intermediary and education provider for businesses adopting the apprenticeship model. In addition, LAUNCH provides regional resources for developing programs and increasing pathways into apprenticeship both in traditional apprenticeships and new and innovative programs. Essentially, LAUNCH makes apprenticeship easy and effective for Inland Empire businesses and career-builders.

FIND YOUR WHY

What’s the main problem you are trying to solve? Do you need a talent pipeline? Do you have people at your company that you’d like to develop? Would you like to give your employees a chance to grow? Are you trying to make your team more efficient?

The LAUNCH team will match you to the right program and partnerships. With a network of colleges and high schools, we have access to new and developing talent and can provide your current staff with impactful training and education. So why do YOU want to get started?

IGNITION

In the LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network, we are committed to developing the best talent in the Inland Empire and we value our business partners. Fortunately, our one-page Apprenticeship Agreement makes partnering simple and clear. Businesses complete a one-page form which indicates what apprenticeship pathways are offered at their company. Companies establish their own skill benchmarks and employee incentives for completing the training the program.

BENEFITS FOR BUSINESS

An apprenticeship program registered with the United States Department of Labor demonstrates commitment by a business to develop a highly-skilled workforce that meets nationally recognized training standards. The roles of both the employer and apprentice, along with the training program curriculum, are clearly spelled out in an Apprenticeship Standards document. Registered apprenticeship programs may also qualify for tax credits.

Student Pathways

The LAUNCH program offers students opportunities to advance in a career while they continue their education. Students receive paid on-the-job training and tuition-free education that directly supports their development in their profession.

Apprentices come from different backgrounds and experiences, and have different professional goals, but they all have one thing in common. They are ready to make an impact at their company and they are ready to grow in their profession.

HOW AN APPRENTICESHIP WORKS

The LAUNCH program consists of two primary elements: education in the classroom and training in the field.

The combination of these two components forms a dynamic relationship where each complements the other, resulting in greater knowledge and development for the students. The instructional component of apprenticeship provides students the opportunities to examine and delve into theoretical concepts and practice higher level skills for the first time. On-the-job, students get contextualize this instruction during their apprenticeship training by applying what they’ve learned. Those students then return to the classroom with new questions and issues to explore during their education.

APPRENTICESHIP INSTEAD OF A TRADE SCHOOL

LAUNCH apprenticeships offer significant benefits over training programs at private trade schools. The LAUNCH program works closely with employers to ensure students are entering the workforce with industry-demanded skills and aptitudes. Because of this partnership with business, LAUNCH apprentices can have confidence that what they are learning will advance their career. In addition, while trade schools often train students for only the most basic levels, leaving students on their own after graduation for certifications and licensing, LAUNCH continues working with apprentices while they start their career.

LAUNCH apprenticeships also cost much less than similar programs at for-profit private schools. Those higher costs often leave students tens of thousands of dollars in debt upon graduation. LAUNCH apprenticeships cost far less because they are run by the local public schools. Many of the LAUNCH pathways include a tuition-free college education as part of the apprenticeship. In addition, students are paid for their work while they train, so instead of ending the program with debt, apprentices have earned a salary and are already working by the time they complete the program.

Opportunities for Colleges and High Schools

The LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network brings together the region’s community colleges, high schools, and Workforce & Economic Development departments by creating a dynamic apprenticeship system for residents and businesses in the Inland Empire. By forming a networked partnership among the educational institutions of our region, we provide a streamlined approach to developing and launching new apprenticeship programs and increasing pathways to higher paying careers and economic growth.