Apprenticeship agreement with LRSC and Northrop Grumman

Lake Region State College and Northrop Grumman Corporation entered into an agreement July 31 for apprenticeship programs in electronics-based roles with skills taught/found in LRSC’s Simulator Maintenance Technician program.  Northrop Grumman’s facilities at Grand Sky and New Town, North Dakota are to take advantage of the program.

Dr. Doug Darling, LRSC President, said these programs are exciting for both students and employers. 

“Many young North Dakotans are wanting to live and work in their home state. Programs like this provide education, training, and the career in North Dakota,” Darling said.

Earlier this year, LRSC and the Department of Labor entered into an agreement giving LRSC the ability to host apprenticeships.  With this agreement, the Department of Labor recognizes LRSC’s ability to provide apprenticeships in four areas, Darling said.  Those areas are IT Specialist, IT Cyber Support Technician, Electronics Technician, and Electro Mechanical Assembly.

A few years in the making, Darling said the Earn and Learn Apprenticeship program at LRSC is an exciting endeavor for the campus.

“We are developing non-traditional apprenticeship opportunities for programs, specifically Simulation Technology (Electronics) and Information Technology. Students will be hired and sponsored by an employer, complete related classroom instruction with LRSC and have on-the-job worksite training.  After two years, the registered apprenticeship is completed, an AAS degree earned, and a full-time job,” Darling said.

Established in 1941, Lake Region State College is a comprehensive community college based in Devils Lake, ND.  LRSC offers education in a variety of career and technical programs and associate arts (transfer) degree for those planning to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree. The college offers its peace officer training program in Minot each spring, Grand Forks and Fargo each summer; its nursing program in Grand Forks and Mayville; is part of the Grand Forks Air Force Base Education Center; has a program called LAUNCH! that serves students in Grand Forks planning on transferring to UND; numerous degrees and courses online; and early entry and dual credit courses for eligible high school students.