Rangers Work - Apprenticeship Program

Industry Lead

The industry lead (non-registered) Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in their program of study. It is designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, providing valuable skills and opening potential pathways to full-time employment.

Participation in the program is selective - students are chosen based on merit, specifically their attendance, academic performance, completion of Workplace Readiness course, and provide required documentation to determine WIOA (Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act) eligibility. Selected participants participate in Interviews scheduled in the Spring semester of their freshman year.

Diesel Technology
Industrial Automation Controls Engineering Technology
Industrial Engineering Technology
Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology

NWCC Expectations:

Instructors will provide an in-depth description of course work to industry.
Institution will enable students to complete coursework within the two-year allotted time. Some academic courses may be taken during the summer or online.
Instructors and/or employer partnership coordinator will communicate each semester concerning skills being taught and the skill level on which the intern is expected to perform.
Instructors and/or employer partnership coordinator will address pertinent difficulties that students may find at work sites including teamwork, troubleshooting, and overall employee behavior.
Employer partnership coordinator will maintain an open line of communication with interns and industry as participant’s work performance.

Intern Expectations:

Complete Workplace Readiness Course
Adhere to Northwest Mississippi Community College attendance policy
Maintain a “C” average
Be recommended by the instructor to participate in Apprenticeship Interviews.
Must complete a mandatory mock interview before participating in Internship Interview Day.
Follow processes and procedures of industry.
Understand completion of the program does not guarantee employment.
Provide required documentation to determine WIOA eligibility.
Complete an application to participate in the apprenticeship program
Complete the Worksite agreement –Only for the Employer

Industry/Employer Expectations:

Interview potential participants on scheduled interview dates
- Spring 2026 Interview Dates
  - January 22, 2026
    - Industrial Engineering Technology
    - Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology
  - March 24, 2026 (link coming soon)
Accept at least one student intern beginning in their spring semester of their freshman year
- IEET/PMMT
- Diesel/Welding/Automotive
- Automotive
Allow student interns to apply classroom instruction within industry settings with the assistance of a mentor/trainer.
Agrees to:
- Pay a minimum hourly rate. See wage scale (link or list below)
  - Administrative Office Technology, Business Management
    - Technology, Computer Networking Technology, Coding
    - Technology: $14.00 an hour
  - Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology: $18.00 an hour
  - Industrial Engineering Technology: $18.00 an hour
  - Diesel Technology: $19.00 an hour
- Interns must work a minimum of 16 hours a week. (can work more if schedule allows)
Ensures student interns' work schedule does not interfere with college program instruction.
Support the student’s goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science degree while interning.
Companies are encouraged to start student interns by the suggested start date since funds are limited and on a first come, first served basis.

WIOA Expectations:

Screen students for WIOA eligibility.
Complete all required WIOA paperwork.
Maintain work site agreements with participating companies.
Monitor work sites and student progress regularly.
Maintain student files and attendance/time documentation.
Reimburse participating companies.
Reimbursement to companies is provided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), through the following development districts:
- Three Rivers Planning and Development District
  - Contact: Rachelle Washington
- South Delta Planning and Development District
  - Contact: Jordan Latham

WIOA Employer Reimbursement Policy

Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), employers may be eligible for wage reimbursement when hiring and training WIOA participants. Reimbursement is provided as follows:
Reimbursement Rate: 50% of the participant’s wages earned each semester
Annual Cap: Up to $6,000 per year
Duration: Up to 2 years
Maximum Total Reimbursement: $12,000 per participant over the life of the program
Please note: All reimbursements are contingent upon the availability of WIOA funding in the local Workforce Area.

Rangers Work - Apprenticeship Program

Industry Lead

NWCC Expectations:

Intern Expectations:

Industry/Employer Expectations:

WIOA Expectations:

WIOA Employer Reimbursement Policy

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