In partnership with ApprenticeshipNC and Haywood Community College, Champion Credit Union is excited to announce the launch of a Business Associate apprenticeship program in the fall of 2023. Graduating high school students selected for the apprenticeship will have the opportunity to “earn as they learn.” This program will provide recent high school graduates with a practical pathway to a career in banking. Apprentices will earn pay and be mentored and trained onsite at Champion Credit Union branches across Western North Carolina. In addition to a career pathway, apprentices will receive free tuition in their pursuit of a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in approved educational tracts at Haywood Community College.
The start of the apprenticeship program directly aligns with the start of the fall semester at Haywood Community College, meaning those interested in the program can start the apprenticeship and their college classes simultaneously. Depending on the educational tract selected, the Business Associate apprenticeship program combines 2,000 hours of practical on-the-job training with related classroom instruction at Haywood Community College. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices will have completed either a certificate, diploma or associate degree and have the opportunity to continue employment with Champion Credit Union.
“We are thrilled to partner with Haywood Community College to offer a program like this in Haywood County,” says Jake Robinson, CEO of Champion Credit Union. “We need skilled workers now and into the future. This program creates an excellent talent pipeline for our organization, while also creating opportunities for recent high school graduates to stay local in an industry that offers significant growth opportunities. For Champion Credit Union, the mission is to improve the communities we serve. A workforce development program like this allows us to continue pursuit of that mission.”
With registration currently open at Haywood Community College, new students can complete their college application now to get the classes they need for this career path. To start the college registration process or to learn more about Haywood Community College, please visit www.haywood.edu.
To learn more about Champion Credit Union’s apprenticeship program, please visit: www.championcu.com/apprenticeship-program. Champion Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.