A new apprenticeship program will train apprentices, and veterans in particular, for high-paying clinical research careers.
Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (PPD) worked with NCWorks Apprenticeship to develop the new 12-month program, which combines on-the-job learning with classroom instruction to train participants for clinical research associate (CRA) positions. Open to all workers, the apprenticeship is especially useful for veterans in medical backgrounds in transitioning out of the military.
“Apprenticeships are a win-win for everyone involved,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “PPD will gain talented, passionate employees who contribute to the company’s growth from the moment they start their jobs. Our veterans will get trained in high-paying jobs that will keep them working in North Carolina and eliminate the stress of transitioning out of the service.”
“As a veteran who transitioned to the civilian workforce, I understand the need to provide viable career opportunities to those who have served,” said William Sharbaugh, chief operating officer of PPD, in a statement issued by the company. “Our industry-first CRA apprenticeship program recognizes the skills of veterans and transitioning service members with medical backgrounds who, through their service, have developed the requisite skills of leadership and who are motivated to join us in helping deliver life-changing medicines.”
NCWorks Apprenticeship helps employers and institutions create apprenticeship programs by providing assistance on the curriculum to be taught, the length of the program, and the wages apprentices will earn during their training. These programs are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, and graduates receive a Journey worker certificate upon completing their apprenticeships.
In addition to North Carolina, PPD also launched its CRA apprenticeship in Texas and California.
NCWorks
The NCWorks initiative aligns state and local services and resources to meet the workforce needs of businesses, connect North Carolinians to technical training and quality careers, and use data to monitor and assess program outcomes. Groups implementing NCWorks include NC Commerce’s Workforce Solutions team, the NCWorks Commission, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and the North Carolina Community College System. For more information about NCWorks, visit nccommerce.com/ncworks.