The college is actively looking for apprentices and business partners who are interested in participating in the program.
The MAP IT @ Montco program is an 18-month apprenticeship program designed by Montgomery County Community College to address the "unique needs of both students and businesses in Montgomery County and the surrounding region," according to a press release.
"We see this as a win-win situation that will help to meet the high-tech labor needs of our businesses while simultaneously guiding our apprentices to good, family-sustaining wage jobs," Kyle Longacre, MCCC dean of workforce and economic development, said in a statement.
In November, MAP IT @ Montco was presented at the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Council meeting, where it received expedited approval.
"The council lauded the MCCC application as a model structure for apprenticeship programs throughout Pennsylvania. I attribute this success to the college's longstanding dedication to IT education and the meticulous design of the program," Larry Byron, MCCC's director of workforce development for IT, said in a statement.
Adhering to national standards, the MAP IT @ Montco program — in collaboration with participating businesses and organizations — will provide students with a comprehensive balance of pre-field technical instruction and practical work experience. This approach includes essential soft skills crucial for effective communication and customer interaction, the college said.
The program was established as an "earn-while-you-learn" model, and allows apprentices to earn compensation from businesses, which also cover tuition expenses.
Once they complete the apprenticeship, students will attain both industry credentials and a journey worker certificate. The program offers companies the opportunity to discover and develop IT talent, strengthening their workforce pipeline.
A registered apprenticeship program is a proven method for recruiting, training, and retaining a stronger and more diverse workforce, the college said in its release announcing the roll out of the program.
According to U.S. Department of Labor, 97 percent of companies with programs recommend them as a talent solution and report an average $1.44 return on investment for every $1 invested. In addition to earning a nationally recognized portable credential, those who complete apprentice programs earn on average over $300,000 more than their non-apprentice peers during their careers.
Montgomery County Community College has served as a Cisco Networking Academy Support Center and Instructor Training Center for more than 20 years. In 2023, the college earned the national "Be the Bridge Award" from Cisco for its work in incorporating Cisco Networking Academy courses into an associate degree program as part of the MAP IT @Montco.
"Our role as a regional Cisco Networking Academy Support Center ensures that our program is the most updated, globally relevant, and accessible curriculum, empowering students from all backgrounds to build a future in IT," Byron added.
Eventually, MAP IT @ Montco will serve as the foundation for future IT Networking and Cybersecurity apprenticeships, the college said.
For information about the program and how to apply for the apprenticeship or collaborate with Montgomery County Community College as a partner company or organization visit mc3.edu/MAPIT. Currently, the college is collaborating with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit-Office of Technology Services of Norristown and Open Tier Systems of Blue Bell.
©2024 The Mercury, Pottstown, Pa. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
