Highlights
Build a pipeline for dedicated, capable new employees
Attracting and keeping skilled employees is a common challenge for many organizations. Workplace learning programs like internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning go beyond training—they help build a strong, dedicated workforce tailored to your organization's needs.
Gain access to workforce-ready talent
Employers can partner with Central Piedmont to advertise open positions for recent graduates to fill. Participate in workshops, hiring and networking events to connect with students and soon-to-be graduates who have honed the technical and soft skills needed to succeed at your company.
Elevate your brand
Showcase your organization's values, culture and career opportunities to a motivated and diverse student body.
Internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning
Central Piedmont facilitates several ways employers can engage with students to provide hands-on work experience: registered apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning. Our team can help you determine the right "work fit" depending on your current and future workforce needs.
Internship
Internships have flexible start and end dates and typically are project-based, contract-based or time-based. Paid internships can be posted on the college's online job board, Handshake. For unpaid internships, please complete this form.
Work-based learning
Work-based learning experiences are time-based and must span either eight or 16 weeks. Students will commit a minimum of 160 or 320 hours to your business. You will design your program alongside a dedicated work-based learning coordinator.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships typically occur over one to four years. Students will develop foundational knowledge and skills in the classroom, but you will be expected to provide additional on-the-job training, instruction and a progressive wage scale. Many employers choose to provide a path to employment through their apprenticeships, since students who have completed an apprenticeship program have developed skills tailored to their needs and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Internships may be paid or unpaid, although only paid internships will be listed on the college job board. When for-profit businesses host unpaid interns, they should follow the seven-point criteria outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Central Piedmont Workplace Learning department cannot determine if a business complies with the criteria.
In an internship, students have no minimum hour requirement. The work schedule is flexible and depends on your needs and the student's schedule. For a student combining their internship with academic credit, students are expected to work a minimum of 160 to 320 hours, depending on academic program, during the semester.
Depending on the industry, our students are familiar with working in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid work environment. Due to liability reasons, Central Piedmont cannot promote work experiences where a student is working from an employer's home.
There are opportunities often through grants and federal funding. For additional information about youth apprenticeships and financial waivers, please see the North Carolina Youth Apprenticeship Guide (PDF).
Programs have successfully launched within two to three months. However, time varies depending on your internal approval processes, complexity of the occupation, and academic course selection.
Employers are expected to: advertise your open opportunities; identify a supervisor to provide relevant, hands-on experience and offer constructive feedback; sign digital documentation so that students can earn academic credit. Students will submit three measurable learning objectives, monthly timesheets, and an employer evaluation.
Specific classes require students to pay a small fee for student accident and professional liability insurance. In these situations, please contact the Workplace Learning office so we can help you and the student file an insurance claim through Central Piedmont. Coverage starts at the beginning of the term and stops at the end of the term. In addition, employers are expected to provide Worker's Compensation Liability Insurance coverage, as applicable, according to state law.
Workplace Learning makes every effort to resolve any student/employer situations, but occasionally this does happen. If any issues arise during the semester, we encourage you to contact the Workplace Learning office.
Start recruiting
We invite you to recruit our talented students and connect with the next generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to your organization. Before posting opportunities or participating in recruitment activities, please review our recruitment guidelines and instructions to help ensure a smooth and successful hiring process.
Post on Central Piedmont's digital job board
To recruit our students, create or join your company's account on Central Piedmont's job board, Handshake, to post jobs, register for events and network directly with our students.
Come to campus
