At Central Piedmont Community College, you’ll find multiple opportunities to gain industry experience, earn college credit through hands-on learning, and build career connections.
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Work-based learning
Some Central Piedmont academic programs may either require you to complete work-based learning to earn your credential or offer work-based learning as an elective. Your work-based learning experience will last either 8 or 16 weeks and will require you to dedicate a minimum of either 160 or 320 hours.
If given the opportunity to participate in work-based learning for your program of study, know that you’ll not only earn college credit and sharpen the skills you’ve learned in the classroom, but also gain résumé-worthy experience that will help you stand out from other job applicants when you graduate.
Review which programs offer work-based learning here.
International students, you may be eligible to participate in work-based learning through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) once you have been in valid F-1 status for a minimum of one year (not including time in Academic EFL). Submit a request for CPT. or contact the International Student Services Center for more information about eligibility and requirements.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine coursework with paid, on-the-job training at one company over one to four years. Central Piedmont is the educational partner of many apprenticeship programs. Occupations range from healthcare to manufacturing.
There are three components to a registered apprenticeship: on-the-job training, a progressive wage scale and education. In some cases, company partners may sponsor your tuition, books and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Central Piedmont has six company partners that recruit junior and senior high school students each fall. For more information, visit Apprenticeship2000.
Most employers are seeking students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher who have taken or are taking college-level math and English.
As apprenticeships become available, we will notify you by email.
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Internships
An internship provides practical, real-world experience that helps you apply what you’ve learned in a classroom to actual work situations. It also allows you to build professional connections, develop new skills, and explore whether a specific career path is a good fit. Additionally, internships can strengthen your résumé and often lead to future job opportunities.