The Daily News

FARGO, N.D. – (January 7, 2009) – North Dakota State College of Science announced today that it is pioneering a North Dakota University System program that awards college credit to workers who have completed federally-approved apprenticeship training. The NDSCS Journeyworker Track, modeled after similar successful programs in other states, provides students the opportunity to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree by combining previous apprenticeship training with additional college credit course work.

Qualifying students would receive 32 college credits for completed apprenticeship training programs, with an additional five credits awarded for longer training programs.

The program is designed to grant advanced standing to individuals who have completed a United States Department of Labor or federally-approved apprenticeship training program of at least 6,000 hours. Currently 39 apprenticeship training programs in North Dakota qualify for this program.

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As the first college in the state to offer credit for completed apprenticeship training, and to incorporate it into a customizable associate’s degree, the NDSCS Technical Studies-Journeyworkers Track was created in response to requests from business and industry and the North Dakota Office of Apprenticeship.

“We are privileged to pioneer this program in North Dakota and begin rewarding individuals with college credit for their practical work experience,” said John Richman, Ph.D., and NDSCS president. “This program will make a college degree within reach for many technically-skilled professionals, many of whom have learned their craft in a non-traditional environment. It will greatly shorten the time required to attain that degree.”

Participants will work with an advisor to design their own plan of study based on their personal career goals. The program will include 32 credits earned for apprenticeship training, 18 credits of general education studies and 14 credits of technical, business or general education coursework.

Those who are currently employed and are not able to relocate to NDSCS will find many of their courses available through online education or other distance education options. The availability of classes is limited by the student’s own plan of study.

“The completion of this program will help students develop the skills and abilities needed for advancement in their current profession,” said Barbara Bang, NDSCS Dean of Technologies and Services.

More information on the Technical Studies-Journeyworker program option is available by contacting Barbara Bang at 800.342.4325, etc. 3-2277 or barbara.bang@ndscs.edu.

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