Welcome
The Columbia College Apprenticeship Initiative is a grant-funded program that supports the development and implementation of new and innovative apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship models. These programs support the local workforce and provide educational opportunities to current and future Columbia College students.
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Emergency Medical Services Pre-Apprenticeship:
The Columbia College Emergency Medical Services Pre-Apprenticeship is a program designed for students who are interested in the Emergency Medical Services field. Pre-apprentices in the initiative will complete Columbia College’s Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses and receive CPR, EMS and EMT certificates. They will also engage in workshops, field trips, job shadowing, and soft skills education. Those who complete the program will have a clear path to become an apprentice in the Emergency Medical Services field through the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC). Columbia College has established a collaborative partnership with Cal-JAC that focuses on preparing EMS pre-apprentices for entry into one of Cal-JAC’s registered apprenticeship programs.
Fire Science Pre-Apprenticeship:
Interested in a career in firefighting? The
Fire Science Pre-Apprenticeship
is designed to provide an introduction to careers in fire science through hands-on experiences, workshops, field trips, and more. After completing the
Pre-Apprenticeship
and the
Columbia College Fire Academy
, either simultaneously or consecutively, participants will have the opportunity to apply to
Cal-JAC
, the state's only registered apprenticeship in firefighting.
How to Apply
-
- Fill out the application, print, sign, and send it to: fraserj@yosemite.edu or 11600 Columbia College Dr., Sonora, CA 95370
- Call 209-588-5269 for questions!
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprentices have the opportunity to complete coursework at Columbia College while working as paid apprentices at one of our approved apprenticeship employers, resulting in a Certified Apprentice certification through the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards as well as Certificates of Achievement and/or Skills Attainment Certificates through Columbia College. Students will be set up for career advancement and/or higher education at Columbia College and beyond.
Current Apprenticeship Programs:
A two-year program that results in an Associate Teacher Permit and a Certificate of Completion as a Registered Apprentice through the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Apprentices work as aides, assistants, or associate teachers in infant, toddler, or preschool classrooms or elementary after-school programs and are strongly encouraged to pursue additional coursework toward an Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Forestry and Natural Resources
A two-year program that results in a Certificate of Achievement in the Management and Restoration of Fire-Adapted Ecosystems as well as a Certificate of Completion as a Registered Apprentice through the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Apprentices work as Forest Conservation Technicians and are given the opportunity to take additional coursework toward Certificates of Achievement and/or an Associate of Science Degree.
At this time, all Hospitality Management apprentice openings have been filled, but we are still accepting applications.
Benefits of Participation
- Hands-on work experience while attending college
- Paid on-the-job training
- Tuition and fees paid (after financial aid is applied)
- Textbooks provided for apprenticeship-specific courses
- Program staff available for support
How to Apply
- First, apply to the Apprenticeship Initiative by downloading the CCAI Application. E-mail your completed application to ccai@yosemite.edu or contact program staff at 209-588-5252 for hard copies and/or assistance.
- Apply to one of our approved employer partners - contact program staff for application instructions.
- Apply for Columbia College at www.gocolumbia.edu/admissions/
- Apply for Financial Aid at www.gocolumbia.edu/financial_aid/
