Earn and Learn Apprenticeships: A New Path for Normandale Students

Choosing a college is a big decision. And life doesn’t stop just because you want to go to school. You might be raising a family, working full time, or becoming the first in your family to go to college.

For many people, the traditional college path doesn’t fit into real life. It can feel like you have to choose between earning money now or getting a degree.

But things are changing. Paid apprenticeship programs offered by Normandale and our employer partners, Aon, Polar Semiconductor, and Seagate, help students do both at the same time. You get real work experience, earn money, and go to school, while the employer pays for things like tuition, fees, and books.

“The attraction of the Normandale-Aon apprenticeship to me was the fact that I could pursue my  degree while still earning a salary. Also, building a foundation to start a long-term career.” -Ebony Walker, Normandale apprenticeship program graduate 

Jobs Are Open, but Skills Don’t Match

You may hear there are millions of job openings. But many companies still can’t find people with the skills they need. This isn’t just a business problem. It’s a problem for people who want good jobs but don’t have a clear path to get them.

The skills gap is real and growing. In fields like financial services, tech, and advanced manufacturing, more than 75% of corporate leaders report a critical skills gap. They need workers who can handle things like data, project work, or advanced manufacturing on day one.

At the same time, about 30% of U.S. college students drop out, mostly because of money. Community colleges like Normandale are designed to help. We are affordable, flexible, and focused on real careers. And, with our paid apprenticeship programs, students also get hands-on job experience.

A Different Kind of College Experience: The Normandale Apprenticeship Program

Getting paid while you learn is huge. But the value of Normandale’ paid apprenticeship programs go much deeper than money. It’s about building a supported path, something most traditional internships or campus jobs can’t offer.

“This program has allowed me to develop new industry skills and also obtain a degree, while being able to support my family,” said Monique Sallis, Normandale apprenticeship program graduate.

With thoughtful course design, diverse learning opportunities, and partnerships with industry experts, Normandale offers the best paid apprenticeship programs in Minnesota.

1. Learning That Connects to Real Work

In Normandale’s paid apprenticeship program, your classes and job work together. What you learn in class helps you at work, and what you learn at work makes your classes easier to understand.

2. Guaranteed Support and Mentorship

At Normandale, you get mentors who guide your professional development, help you build your network, and teach you how to succeed in the corporate world. This built-in support system is a career changer.

3. A Clear Path to a Career

Through Normandale’s paid apprenticeship programs, you get more than just classes; you get a real future. You earn a college degree while building professional experience that employers want. You gain financial stability because you’re earning a paycheck and don’t have to worry about tuition or books. And when you finish, you’re already on a clear path toward a long-term career.

Your Future to Earn and Learn

Normandale Community College helps students earn a living while building a future. No student should choose between paying bills and getting an education. If you’re ready for a college experience that fits your life and helps you build a stronger future, the Normandale paid apprenticeship program is a powerful place to start. Learn more about how you can learn, earn, and grow at Normandale. www.normandale.edu/apprenticeship

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