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Is the Surry-Yadkin Works apprenticeship program a model? A new playbook shares lessons learned

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Carrie McKeaver a pre-apprentice CNA at Northern Regional Hospital in the Day Surgery Department. Courtesy of Surry-Yadkin Works

What happens when education, government, and workforce leaders come together to build the next generation of talent in an effort to support their local economy? The answer, according to a new report from the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, is a partnership like Surry-Yadkin Works.

Developed by the Belk Center in partnership with myFutureNC, the new Surry-Yadkin Works playbook features insights and best practices they collected over the course of a lengthy research process. The authors of the report argue that the model is transforming the lives of students, employers, and communities in northwestern North Carolina. They also indicate other communities can learn from the approach that contributed to Surry-Yadkin Works’ success and the specific steps taken by leaders to launch and grow the program.

We have previously reported on this cross-sector partnership that brings together four K-12 school districts, Surry Community College, and employers across two counties. Surry-Yadkin Works promises a streamlined approach for their apprentices with the program connecting students with pre-apprenticeship opportunities, essential wraparound support, and a clear pathway to success after high school.

You can view the report below or on the Belk Center’s website.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Office of Gov. Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, and Jobs for the Future made the playbook possible, according to a press statement from the Belk Center.