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Narrative:  Hawkins County Schools co-sponsors a CNC Machine Operator registered youth apprenticeship with TRW-Rack and Pinion Division, Rogersville. Besides course grades, students receive evaluations of skill from their work site job coaches (supervisors/mentors). Pay raises and incentives are evaluated every 500 hours or OJT(On the Job Training) completed. The work site mentor coordinator reviews the OJT evaluations, evaluates student placement for possible rotation or reassignment within the company, and communicates with the school mentor. The school site mentor reviews the shop floor (OJT) evaluations and communicates the competency results to the home high school and the postsecondary institution for award of dual academic credit by Tennessee Technology Center at Rogersville.

Consistent with the High School Policy, all TRW High School Apprentices take WorkKeys in the middle of their senior year, including additional modules financed by TRW. TRW requires WorkKeys for all new hires and compares the scores for apprentices to cohorts of new hires to measure the effectiveness of the investment in the apprenticeship program.

It Works!  Students who complete the TRW registered youth apprenticeship program are significantly better prepared to enter high-skill, high wage employment than traditional entry-level employees, as documented by WorkKeys scores. Guidance counselors report improved class attendance, grade average, and enrollment in more demanding classes on the part of registered apprentices. Teachers report that registered apprentices apply themselves to coursework more seriously than their peers as a result of the connection between classroom theory and job application.

Contact:
David Gass
Vocational Education
Hawkins County Schools
200 North Depot St.
Rogersville, TN 37857
423/272-3789 Voice
423/272-2207 Fax
E-mail: gassd@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us