By RUSTY MARKS
The State Journal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Leaders of the Robert C. Byrd Institute and Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy have teamed up for an apprenticeship program intended to introduce young people to careers available in the manufacturing industry.
Robert C. Byrd Institute spokeswoman Becky Calwell said the first group of ChalleNGe Academy cadets recently completed a Robert C. Byrd Institute pre-apprenticeship program through Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership. The pre-apprenticeship introduces disadvantaged youth to good-paying, high-skill jobs available in manufacturing, Calwell said.
RCBI Director Charlotte Weber said the partnership with the ChalleNGe Academy is an important way to prepare young people for success in today’s rapidly changing and globalized world.
While at the academy, cadets took online courses in blueprint reading, robotics, introduction to asembly and pneumatic components and other classes, Calwell said.
“We’re pleased to offer this rewarding opportunity to the cadets at the Challenge Academy,” said Lucinda Curry, director of Apprenticeship Works. “We hope they continue on this path to success by securing employment and/or continuing to seek out opportunities through registered apprenticeships at manufacturers here in West Virginia.”
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