Director, Apprenticeships-NHC Endowment Grant TFT

Director Of Apprenticeships (Temporary Full-Time)

The Director of Apprenticeships (Temporary Full-Time) provides administrative and programmatic leadership to ensure apprenticeship programs are effectively supported from registration through completion. A core function of this role is to build, manage, and sustain strong relationships with local and regional employers, serving as a primary liaison between industry and the college. The Director actively promotes apprenticeship as a talent development solution, working strategically with employers to identify workforce needs and design apprenticeship pathways that address current and emerging industry demand.

Responsibilities include aligning instructional curriculum with employer-identified skill needs and ensuring compliance with USDOL Apprenticeship Standards. The Director provides direct supervision of apprenticeship staff and collaborates closely with the Senior Director of Apprenticeships & Workforce Partnerships to align apprenticeship initiatives with student employability, industry engagement, and workforce development priorities.

In addition, the Director manages program budgets, supports grant development and implementation, and oversees data collection and reporting to demonstrate program impact for industry and funding partners. By strategically deepening employer partnerships and expanding industry participation, the Director strengthens apprenticeship programs, increases employer adoption, and advances sustainable career pathways for students.

***This is a full-time, temporary, grant-funded position supported by a three-year grant, expiring May 31, 2029 with the potential to be extended.***

Receives general and direct supervision from the Senior Director, Apprenticeships & Workforce Partnerships. Supervises Apprenticeship Manager, Apprenticeship Coordinator, and Apprenticeship Advisors.

Duties & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitor key metrics such as enrollment growth, retention, course completion, credential attainment, wage progression, and apprenticeship completion rates.
• Builds relationships with employers, trade associations, and state/county organizations, fostering the development and growth of both new and existing apprenticeship programs, while providing administrative support for these sponsored programs.
• Works directly with employers to design, customize, and scale apprenticeship models including on-the-job training structures, related instruction, and wage progression to meet business and workforce needs.
• Proactively identifies, recruits, and engages new industry partners by positioning apprenticeship as a strategic workforce development solution addressing talent pipeline and retention challenges.
• Conduct structured check-ins with participating businesses to confirm on-the-job skill development, verify wage increases, and gather feedback on apprentice performance and program quality
• Collaborates with direct/indirect reports on annual goals and objectives and holds regular follow-up meetings to monitor progress.
• Supports and works closely with the Senior Director of Apprenticeships & Workforce Partnerships and other internal college departments (Career Services, Workforce Development, CTE, etc) to align apprenticeship programming, employer engagement, and student employment outcomes with apprenticeship and work-based learning initiatives.
• Partners with CFCC's Academic Affairs and Economic and Workforce Development departments to identify and hire qualified instructors to support apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Works with Academic Affairs and Economic and Workforce Development to align curriculum with industry standards and assists in setting instructor expectations, goals, and objectives.
• Provides leadership for apprenticeship and training initiatives, ensuring collaboration with union-based and non-union industry partners.
• Supplies supportive data and documentation as needed to demonstrate apprenticeship program outcomes and to justify scholarship or grant funding requests.
• Directs technical and administrative staff in achieving departmental goals and objectives.
• Conducts regular meetings with CFCC leadership and staff to review current work, measure progress, and prioritize strategic initiatives.
• Maintains strong working relationships with the NCCCS system office and ApprenticeshipNC consultants.
• Collaborates across CFCC departments to develop, modify, and maintain related instruction for registered apprenticeship programs and those under development.
• Represents the college at industry, economic development, and workforce convenings to promote apprenticeship participation and expand employer adoption.
• Performs other related duties, responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Workforce and economic development needs in New Hanover and Pender Counties, including strategies for employer and community engagement.
• ApprenticeshipNC processes, USDOL Apprenticeship Standards, and NCCCS policies governing registered apprenticeship programs.
• Skilled trades training, curriculum alignment with industry standards, and instructional expectations for faculty.
• Employer workforce strategies, talent pipeline development, and the role of apprenticeship in addressing recruitment, retention, and succession planning challenges.
• Apprenticeship/student tracking systems (e.g., NCRAN) and ability to analyze data for compliance, reporting, and funding.
• Program auditing, documentation, and accountability practices to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Planning and coordinating apprenticeship-related events such as orientations, hiring fairs, and signing ceremonies.
• Budgeting principles, fiscal oversight, and grant/scholarship funding processes.
• Supervisory practices, including goal setting, performance management, and team leadership.
• Community college structures and cross-departmental collaboration to align apprenticeship with workforce and educational initiatives.

Ability to:

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, trade associations, and community organizations in New Hanover and Pender Counties.
• Interpret and apply ApprenticeshipNC and USDOL standards to ensure program compliance.
• Align instructional curriculum with industry needs and support instructors in meeting performance expectations.
• Analyze data and prepare reports to demonstrate outcomes and support funding opportunities.
• Develop, monitor, and manage budgets, grants, and scholarship resources.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead events such as orientations, hiring fairs, and signing ceremonies.
• Supervise and mentor staff, set goals, and monitor progress toward objectives.
• Collaborate effectively with college leadership, faculty, and external partners to advance workforce initiatives.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse audiences, including students, employers, and state-level stakeholders.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Workforce Development, Education, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of experience in workforce development, apprenticeship, training, or related program management.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with employers, community organizations, and educational institutions.
• Background in supervising staff, managing budgets, and overseeing program compliance and reporting.
• Experience working within a community college or higher education environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with ApprenticeshipNC, USDOL Apprenticeship Standards, and NCCCS policies strongly preferred.

Supplemental Information

This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.

Candidates are required to submit OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all degrees obtained prior to their first day of work or hire date. If highest level of education is High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.

Candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

To claim veterans' preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to Human Resources during the application process. Human Resources will verify eligibility.