Promising Practices in Registered Apprenticeship from a Rural Community College

Rural community colleges face unique challenges when implementing Registered Apprenticeship programs. In this webinar, Safal Partners Workforce Director Dr. Melissa Schroeder will host a discussion with David Shofstahl, Apprenticeship Coordinator and Workforce Program Manager for Skilled Trades at Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC). As a recognized leader in workforce development, David has navigated unique challenges of implementing Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural areas. MGCC, the second smallest community college in Virginia, has utilized innovative approaches to overcome significant barriers to apprenticeship adoption. 

Drawing on her 16 years of successful experience leading state and federal workforce and education initiatives including Registered Apprenticeship program expansion, Dr. Melissa Schroeder will offer her insight into the challenges and opportunities facing community colleges. Having previously led the Division of Workforce & Economic Development at the College of Southern Nevada, Dr. Schroeder brings deep expertise in creating apprenticeship pathways. Participants will receive an opportunity to ask our experts questions. 

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National Career Pathways Network Connect Conference

The National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) is dedicated to improving the education-to-careers pipeline through professional development in career and technical education (CTE), Career Pathways, Adult Career Pathways, and workforce development. They are hosting their annual conference, NCPN Connect 2025.

The Center of Excellence will host the interactive workshop, Building Student Awareness of Apprenticeship Career Pathways, equipping both stakeholders and educators with tools to link Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs and successful education-to-apprenticeship pathways. The session will provide data showcasing the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship and a discussion around expert insights on effective transitions to apprenticeship.

The presentation will also discuss how our Center of Excellence can provide your state and local CTE leadership and program instructors with customized, no-cost TA, resources and tools to engage in pre-apprenticeship.

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COABE 2025 National Conference

The COABE 2025 national conference is the world’s largest adult education conference where you will access new best practices and receive targeted training from national level speakers. Fifteen state of the art strands, comprised of nearly 500 breakout sessions will be offered over 3-4 days, providing valuable, state-of-the-art training that you will be able to take back to your adult education program! Join more than 3,000 conferees and enjoy numerous networking opportunities with your adult education peers from around the country!

Center subject matter experts will be onsite providing Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance and presenting the workshop, Bridging the Gap: Empowering Adult Learners through Registered and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs.

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