Background
The Tribal College Apprenticeship Program (TCAP) is a new initiative funded by Hess, Nabors, and Halliburton Corporations with the five North Dakota tribal colleges to improve the educational, training, and employment opportunities for students (and others) across North Dakota.
Launched in January 2023, TCAP is a four- year initiative funded at $14 million as an investment by Hess, Nabors, and Halliburton Corporations for the tribal colleges to establish registered apprenticeships in a variety of disciplines for tribal and regional employment. The funding will be used to support students but also to help employers with workforce needs.
What are Apprenticeships?
An apprenticeship is a paid job that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for skilled careers. The benefits of apprenticeships include paid work experience, receiving a skills-based education, a nationally recognized credential, and having tuition paid for.
Apprenticeships are available in many industries, including manufacturing, construction, information technology, health care, energy, transportation, and logistics. Apprentices start out earning less than a skilled tradesman, but wages increase once they become more proficient in their skills.
What We Offer
The UTTC Apprenticeship Program currently offers registered apprenticeships involved with the Business Administration and Computer Information System programs. There will be expansion to other degree programs in the future to involve more students.
We have funding for 4 students per calendar year. We offer tuition, childcare, and housing assistance, along with gas cards to students who are selected to participate in the program.
Apprentice Requirements
Apprentices will be required to maintain full-time student status throughout the duration of their apprenticeship. Apprentices could only move to part-time student status if it is at the end of their degree and there are no other class options to become full-time. If an apprentice fails to maintain full-time student status throughout a semester, they will not be able to receive any scholarship or tuition aid. For apprentices to receive their assistance, they need to be in good standing with their grades and class attendance, along with work attendance. If in good standing, they qualify for their monthly assistance checks.
Apprentices are also required to attend bi-weekly check-ins with their on-the-job mentor and someone in the apprenticeship office. During these check-ins, apprentices will be asked about what skills they have been working towards and the number of hours spent on these specific skills.
Contact Information
Contact the Apprenticeship Coordinator at 701-221-1870 or email apprenticeships@uttc.edu for more information regarding the program.