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The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship will launch the state’s first Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program on Easter Sunday.

The AOA is teaming with Wallace Community College-Dothan to enroll students in the state’s first Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program – Basic Maintenance Technician – on April 4. Classes will start in June.

The purpose of Pre-apprenticeships is to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship and eventually get a career. They offer structured training opportunities and a set of services, including work-readiness skills and wraparound supports for transportation and childcare, things participants need to progress into an apprenticeship.

“I am delighted that the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship has approved the Wallace Community College (WCC) Basic Maintenance Technician program as a certified pre- apprenticeship program,” Wallace Community College Dothan Director of Workforce Development Joe Johnson said. “This designation speaks to the quality of the BMT program and validates that the training will meet business and industries workforce expectations, while ensuring successful participants have an opportunity to be given credit for their prior learning experience.

“This process streamlines a participant’s ability to transition into the WCC Applied Engineering Technology, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic apprenticeship or into the workforce to begin their career. This is a win/win for the program participants and our area business and industry partners.”

The state is high in demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. Maintenance technicians install, repair and ensure all machines function properly through troubleshooting and preventative maintenance service. The Basic Maintenance Technician pre-apprenticeship program allows an individual to gain access to specific manufacturing skills while opening doors to additional training, paid apprenticeships and job opportunities throughout the industry.

With a combination of classroom instruction, on-the-job learning and simulated work, individuals gain exposure to industry, equipment and workplace safety practices. Successful graduates can also earn multiple industry credentials, including: OSHA 10 General Industry certification, NC3 Snap- On multimeter certification, NC3 Snap-On micrometer certification, NC3 Snap-On slide caliper.

Last March, the AOA became the first state agency in over 20 years to be recognized as a State Apprenticeship Agency by the U.S. Department of Labor. The designation allows the AOA to streamline the process of registering apprenticeships within the state and enhanced flexibility to serve the needs of employers and workers.