Apprenticeship Pathway Degree Program
A partnership between West Virginia University, WVU Potomac State College, WVU Extension Service Institute for Labor Studies and Research, the West Virginia Carpenters Training Center and the West Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council allows apprentices to further their skills and education through a new associate degree program.
Earn Credit for Your Apprenticeship and Complete Your Degree
As you progress through your apprenticeship training program, you will simultaneously earn an associate degree. You will enhance the skills required for positions in today’s ever-changing construction workforce.
Upon completion of the Carpenters’ registered apprenticeship program, you will also hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Technical Studies with a major in carpentry technology from WVU Potomac State College.
Initially, the program will be available to apprentices in the West Virginia Carpenters Training program; however, the partners hope to develop craft-specific degree majors for all registered apprenticeship programs affiliated with the West Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council.
What Classes Will I Take?
WVU Potomac State general education courses covering effective communications, computer science, and building trades history and culture will supplement the technical training you receive during your apprenticeship training programs. You will need to complete 60 total credits to earn your AAS degree in Carpentry Technology, with most of the credits coming through your apprenticeship training.
Length of the Program
You will start taking classes when your apprenticeship begins and continue taking college classes on a part-time basis throughout your apprenticeship.
What Will the Program Cost?
The goal of the partnership is to provide a tuition-free program to apprentices who fully complete the admissions and financial aid processes. You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and provide any additional documents requested to determine your eligibility. West Virginia residents will need to complete the West Virginia Invest Grant application process.
Why Earn a College Degree?
You are gaining valuable training through the apprenticeship program that will enable you to become a skilled carpenter. You will earn wages while completing on-the-job training. The apprenticeship pathway program allows you to earn a college degree at the same time, with just a few additional courses. The associate degree in Carpentry Technology recognizes the education that apprentices are gaining through their on-the-job training and couples it with additional college courses to create an opportunity to complete the college degree at the same time as the apprenticeship. The WVU college degree will give you additional career opportunities and education options if you want to eventually complete a four-year bachelors degree. Upon completion of the West Virginia Carpenters’ registered apprenticeship program, you will also hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Technical Studies with a major in carpentry technology from WVU Potomac State College.
How Do I Apply for Admission?
The program is currently available for apprentices through the West Virginia Carpenters training centers in Bridgeport, Charleston and Parkersburg. Contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 304-788-6820 or go2psc@mail.wvu.edu for more information.