Student Application » Steps
The Apprentice Application Process
Step 1
Gather Information and Explore
There are a number of ways to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in Davidson and Davie Counties. Look for the following events and opportunities.
Informational sessions will be held at local high schools and other locations in the fall. These sessions are open to both students and parents.
Talk to your school’s career and college manager about apprenticeship.
If you are homeschooled or cannot find information at your school about apprenticeship, contact Davidson-Davie Apprenticeship Consortium.
Talk to your parents or guardians about apprenticeship. It’s an exciting opportunity, but also a big commitment. A parent or guardian is also required to accompany you on company tours.
Step 2
Attend Virtual Company Tours Late Fall & Early Winter
From November to late January, students and parents are able to tour companies that offer apprenticeships. Each tour typically lasts about an hour, and you are able to learn about how the company operates, specific apprenticeship opportunities, possible career pathways, employee benefits, and more. Apprenticeship applicants and a parent or guardian must attend at least one company tour in order to apply.
Step 3
Apply – Late Fall and Early Winter
DDAC student apprenticeship applications are typically available in October and are due January 31, 2026. Students will also need to apply to DDCC.
Step 4
Invitations Sent to Attend March Invitational
After a review of applications, selected students will be invited to continue in the process with an invitational held in Mid February and/or March. The invitational is held over four evenings.
Students will participate in hands-on activities, problem solving situations, team-building scenarios, and testing, all while being observed and interacting with company representatives.
Students learn more about what is involved in an apprenticeship and meet some of the company representatives.
Company representatives get to know the students, their capabilities, and how they may fit within their respective companies.
At the end of the four evenings, students complete a form selecting their top three companies, in order, where they would be interested in becoming an apprentice. Companies complete a form selecting their top students. Students and companies are matched to maximize success in the program.
Step 5
Complete a Pre-Apprenticeship During the Summer
Students that match with a company and meet all requirements will be invited to be a pre-apprentice. Students will be notified of this offer in mid-April. The six-week paid pre-apprenticeship is a combination of working at the company and taking two classes at Davidson Davie Community College.
step 6
Apprenticeship Selection – August
During the six week pre-apprenticeship, students are evaluated for:
Grades
Performance
Attendance
General fit within the company and apprenticeship program
Individual students will meet with their company contact regarding the selection of apprentices. At that time, the selected students will receive information about how to adjust their schedules; the official signing ceremony, which is held in August; registration at Davidson Davie Community College; and other details.
In some cases, a pre-apprentice may not be selected as an apprentice. If a student is a rising senior and still interested in the program, they may go through the process again the following year.
