Apprenticeship is a proven approach for preparing workers for jobs while meeting the needs of business to obtain a highly skilled workforce. It is an employer-driven, “learn-while-you-earn” model that provides an apprentice with on-the-job training provided by an employer, coupled with an educational program component. The goal is to address workforce shortages while creating pathways to a livable wage. To learn more, email apprenticeships@qcc.edu.

Apprenticeship Components

The Components of Apprenticeship

Quinsigamond Community College offers educational training in key apprenticeship areas that include:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Financial Services
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology
  • Biotechnology / Life Sciences
  • Automotive Technology
  • Hospitality / Culinary

Benefits for Employers

  • Help businesses develop highly skilled employees.
  • Reduce turnover rates, increase productivity, and lower the cost of recruitment.
  • Customized training that meets industry standards 
  • Increase knowledge transfer through on-the-job learning from an experienced mentor, combined with education courses to support work-based learning.
  • Increase employee retention 
  • Offer a safer workplace that may reduce worker compensation costs
  • Offer a stable and reliable pipeline of qualified workers.
  • Ensure that every graduate of an apprenticeship program receives a nationally recognized credential.
  • For every $1.00 invested in apprenticeships, companies gain $1.44 in Return on Investment (US DOL study)
  • Tax credits and access to grant opportunities

Benefits for Apprentices

  • Occupation and employer-relevant skills training ​ 
  • Low-to-no debt degree pathways​ 
  • Earned wages in a chosen field ​ 
  • Clear pathways to jobs and upward mobility ​ 
  • Familiarity with employer culture

Types of Programs

Explore a career of interest to see if it’s a good fit.  Learn some soft skills that will equip you for success in the workplace.

Complete On the Job Training with the support of a mentor, while participating in related coursework or instruction at the college, and earning credentials and wage increases.  Employers that provide apprenticeships that meet the requirements of the Department of Labor (including 2000 hours of On the Job Training and 150 hours of Related Technical Instruction) may be eligible for tax credits.  

Students selected by employers to enroll in the Apprenticeship Degree Program will earn a professional certificate or associate's degree for credits awarded through on the job training, provided by a workplace mentor, and related technical instruction, provided by QCC. Wage increases will be awarded by the employer once defined credentials or milestones are reached. Employers who chose to register apprenticeship with the Department of Apprenticeship Standards may be eligible for tax credits and receive access to additional grant opportunities

Why Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer a proven, strategic approach to workforce development. By combining structured on-the-job training with related technical instruction, employers can build a skilled talent pipeline aligned to their specific operational needs. Apprenticeships support employee retention, reduce recruitment costs, and create clear pathways for advancement, which helps organizations grow and compete with confidence.

Apprenticeships are employer‑driven and collaboratively designed to meet workforce demands and the unique needs of each partner organization. Upon completion, apprentices earn a valuable industry‑recognized credential, and those enrolled in an apprenticeship degree pathway can also earn a college certificate or degree. Businesses that register their apprenticeship programs with the Massachusetts Division of Apprenticeship Standards may additionally qualify for tax credits and grant funding.

Build Talent. Strengthen Retention. Grow from Within.

Quinsigamond Community College partners with employers to develop Apprenticeship Programs that align education with real workforce needs. Apprenticeships provide a structured, earn-and-learn model that helps organizations build a reliable talent pipeline, close skills gaps, improve retention, and support long-term workforce sustainability.

Through this partnership, QCC supports employers with program design, related technical instruction, apprentice recruitment, registration guidance, and ongoing coordination - allowing employers to focus on developing skilled, productive employees.

Employers should complete the form below to begin a conversation about how an Apprenticeship may support your organization’s workforce strategy.

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Employer Partnership Interest Form

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