San Bernardino Valley College's new partnership with LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network is a win-win for students, offering them real-world experience at a work site at the same time they are enrolled in classes. 
 
Started in 2018 by the Inland Empire Desert Region College Consortium, LAUNCH helps community colleges, high schools, and businesses develop apprenticeships for employees and students. Each apprenticeship lasts for one or two years, and students attend Career Technical Education (CTE) certificate/degree classes while working full-time in paid positions that correlate with their selected career pathway. The state covers tuition, leaving the student responsible for books and fees. 
 
"Students may have limited or entry level skills, and this takes them through a career pathway," Peggy Weber, SBVC's LAUNCH coordinator, says. "They take the courses, get the lab and lecture time on campus, and then spend 32 to 40 hours a week on actual work experience to add to their resume. The employer’s advantage is they get a worker that's being trained to meet their requirements. They don't have bad habits, and can learn the process and culture of the company to see if it’s a good fit." 
 
Some students enroll at SBVC but drop out once they find a job, unable to balance the demands of school and work. The apprenticeship program eliminates this problem. 
 
"The companies promote completion of school, with students earning certificates or degrees," Weber says. "The employer is their partner in education, and reinforces them going to school and not dropping out." 
 
In January, SBVC launched its pilot apprenticeship program, partnering with Providence Group Healthcare for the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) to registered nurse (RN) pathway. SBVC is identifying companies for Machine Technology, Electronics/Electricity,  Automotive, and Computer Information Technologies apprenticeships, while also working with faculty to register with the California Division of Apprentice Standards to increase offerings in CTE programs. 
 
The LVN to RN pathway is "really intense, and there is a lot of school time," Weber says. "By working with them and mentoring them this way, they can be able to complete their RN program with the associate's degree in registered nursing in approximately four semesters." 
 
Providence Group Healthcare is "extremely excited" about the LVN to RN program because this "elevates their employees and upgrades their skills," Weber says. 
 
Each company reviews the curriculum and applies the requirements for their apprenticeship, and can offer additional incentives, such as stipends to cover books and supplies. After SBVC and the companies work out the details of the apprenticeships, including the necessary classes and curriculums, they must be registered and approved by the state of California. Any industry can get involved, from heavy duty machinery to industrial robotics, and since this is a brand new program, Weber is working on spreading the word and getting SBVC faculty members, local companies, and guidance counselors on board. 
 
"This can offer a lot of value to an employer," Weber says. "Our work force is retiring, especially with COVID-19, and there's no one to put in place at the entry level. Our high school students are at the brink of going into a great era. We are going to put them back into those skilled jobs." 
 
Weber has spoken with many SBVC faculty members about the apprenticeships, and the feedback has been "very positive." They like that students get "work experience, and something else to put on their resume other than college," Weber says. 
 
The state of California has set a goal of having 500,000 apprenticeships by 2029, and there are now 98,000 apprenticeships in the California College Systems. SBVC is ready to do its part to create apprenticeships that will help students launch careers and keep jobs in the Inland Empire. 
 
"It's an exciting opportunity," Weber says. "This puts qualified candidates back into the community to earn a sustainable living wage."