WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Thirty new Learn and Earn apprentices started classes at Forsyth Technical Community College this month. 

LEAP offers students the opportunity to go to class 20 hours a week and get hands-on experience in their potential career from local employers for 40 hours.

Students also get paid for those 40 hours of work, and the program is free to join.

Recent Reynolds High School graduate Miried Sanchez said the program allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a working auto mechanic within a few months of completing high school. 

“It’s honestly been a blessing. I get to learn on the job while they teach me how to work as well. So in school, they teach me how to work, and here there is a lot of hands-on training.” Sanchez said.“It’s honestly been a blessing. I get to learn on the job while they teach me how to work as well. So in school, they teach me how to work, and here there is a lot of hands-on training.” Sanchez said.

Fellow student Ashton Lynch also says the program helped her break into a career she’s been working toward.

Lynch enrolled in advanced manufacturing this year after the company she was working for, Precision Concepts Medical, merged with Biomeric, one of the newest LEAP partners. 

“Now, I am able to get into a field that I was really interested in before. I was working as a prototype operator and spent a lot of time with the tool and dye makers, watching them do the work I am doing now. And it really piqued my interest,” Lynch said.

Lynch added that the opportunity has allowed her to return to school without sacrificing the income she needs to help support her family. 

“It has been super helpful for me because I wasn’t able to come back to school after I graduated. I have two kids. It’s kind of hard, and the fact that the apprenticeship program is allowing me to have a full week of pay while going to school and working and learning, it has been great,” she said.

This year’s program included public health and public safety apprenticeships. 

LEAP was recently recognized as an ambassador for the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship within the Employment and Training Administration.