The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and Reach University are creating pathways where practical job experience leads directly to a degree.
According to a release from UACCB, the initiative is part of a national movement to increase apprenticeship programs to meet industry demand. Led by the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree (NCAD), these programs will integrate work and learning, focusing on high-demand fields.
On Sept. 6, 2024, members of UACCB and Reach University met with UACCB faculty and staff and regional industry partners to explain the new apprenticeship degree programs.
This model blends on-the-job experience with academic learning, enabling employees to earn a degree while advancing in their careers, the release said. The goal is to create a sustainable system enabling local industries to partner with UACCB to leverage apprenticeship degree opportunities to cultivate a skilled workforce while providing employees with meaningful educational advancements.
“The partnership between UACCB and Reach University, facilitated by NCAD, represents a significant step forward in addressing the workforce needs of our region,” said Dr. Holly Smith, vice chancellor for academic affairs at UACCB. “By aligning on-the-job training with academic achievement, we are not only providing individuals with a debt-free pathway to a degree but also meeting the pressing talent demands of our local industries.”
UAACB said this innovative approach is not just about filling jobs but about creating sustainable career paths. Apprenticeship degrees offered through Reach University emphasize job-embedded learning, where students gain valuable experience in their field while simultaneously completing their academic studies. This method ensures that graduates are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their professions.
“We believe that by making the workplace a learning place, we can revolutionize how education and industry work together to develop talent,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor of UACCB. “This partnership is about more than just earning a degree; it’s about creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers and for businesses to grow with a highly skilled workforce.”
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