In partnership with Midlands Technical College (MTC) and Apprenticeship Carolina, the Columbia Chamber is recruiting new participants in the Midlands Youth Apprenticeship Program (MYA) in 2023.
Launched in 2018, MYA is a program designed to help create a talent pipeline for area businesses while creating a viable work-based learning opportunity for students during high school. MYA students are registered apprentices who work part-time with local companies while they take classes at their high school and MTC. At the end of the two-year program, students will have earned a high school diploma, college credits in a specific field from Midlands Technical College, U.S. Department of Labor credential and two years of paid work experience. This combination through MYA equips a student with the skills and experience to make them ready on day one to work in the specialized positions that companies require.
"The MYA program teaches invaluable skills to make students competitive in the workplace," said Carl Blackstone, President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber. "Graduates of this program get a two-year head start on their future and employers gain a career-ready workforce."
Families interested in learning more about the program can attend info sessions based on district:
- Richland Two – January 31, 2023, 6:00PM – 7:15PM, R2I2 Conference Center (763 Fashion Drive Columbia, SC 29229)
- Richland One – February 1, 2023, 5:30PM – 7:00PM, Heyward Career Conference Center (3560 Lynhaven Dr, Columbia, SC 29204)
The MYA Program provides businesses and organizations the unique chance to meet qualified high-school students from a variety of interests and backgrounds.
"Getting students started on a successful education while keeping focused on a career is exactly how we can address the shortage of skilled workers in our state," said MTC Provost Dr. Barrie Kirk. "Students in the MYA program get to work and learn from some of the best companies within the IT, skilled trades, health care and business sectors. Connecting students with these successful companies while giving them access to an affordable, career-focused education is a win-win for all involved."
"We are always looking for new and innovative ways to help companies build their workforce," said Dr. Amy Firestone, vice president for Apprenticeship Carolina. "Partnerships like this with Midlands Technical College are an excellent example of Apprenticeship Carolina's commitment to growing registered apprenticeship programs across the region. Apprenticeships provide companies with a valuable workforce solution and offer apprentices a clear pathway to a rewarding career – it is a real win-win opportunity."
For more information regarding the Midlands Youth Apprenticeship Program, please visit https://www.midlandstech.edu/mya. Those interested in joining MYA are encouraged to view testimonials from previous participants and their families. Businesses interested in participating may contact the Columbia Chamber.
About Midlands Youth Apprenticeship Program
MYA is a program designed to help create a talent pipeline for area businesses while creating a viable work-based learning opportunity for students during high school. MYA students are registered apprentices who work part-time with local companies while they take classes at their high school and MTC. Typically, students involved in MYA take high school classes and at the same time attend MTC two to three days a week in dual enrollment classes. At the end of the two-year program, students will have earned a high school diploma, college credits in a specific field from Midlands Technical College, U.S. Department of Labor credential and two years of paid work experience. This combination through MYA equips a student with the skills and experience to make them ready on day one to work in the specialized positions that companies require.
About the Columbia Chamber
The Columbia Chamber is a private, non-profit, Partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its Partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its Partners through networking, professional development, advocacy and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.
About Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College (MTC) is a non-profit, six-campus, two-year public college serving Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties in South Carolina. MTC enrolls approximately 15,000 credit students annually making it the fifth-largest provider of higher education in South Carolina and one of the largest providers of transfer students to the University of South Carolina. The Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) program is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Southeast, with approximately 15,000 students and provides training to hundreds of area businesses each year. For more information, visit www.midlandstech.edu.
About Apprenticeship Carolina
Apprenticeship Carolina™ is an integral part of the SC Technical College System that works to ensure all employers in South Carolina have access to the information and technical assistance they need to create demand-driven registered apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship consultants are available to guide companies through the registered apprenticeship development process from initial information to full recognition in the National Registered Apprenticeship System. These services are available to South Carolina employers free of charge. Interested employers are encouraged to contact Apprenticeship Carolina™ at (803) 896-5287 or to visit www.apprenticeshipcarolina.com. Follow us on Twitter @ApprenticeshpSC or @Youth_AC.