GAP Apprenticeship Events

The future is promising and exciting moments are ahead, but the best path forward isn’t always clear cut. While you might not know what you want to do yet, or even how to get there, at Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP), we’re here to help you figure that out.

When you attend a GAP event, you’ll be able to start narrowing down your likes and dislikes, understand the work involved for different career paths, and begin building relationships with people and companies that can help you succeed.

GAP Events to Help You Learn More

GAP events are free meet-and-greet opportunities that offer real insight into what it means to be an apprentice. Attend one or more events, and start exploring ways to get a head start on a rewarding career as early as high school.

Community NightCompany Tour/Open House
Required to apply for a GAP apprenticeship
(Though not required, Community Night is the best way to meet with all GAP companies in one location to learn about specific opportunities for that year.)
Get clarity on a potential career pathway
Meet apprenticeship company representatives, apprentices, and mentors
See the facilities where you’d train and find out how close (or far) work would be from home
Meet with all participating GAP companies hiring apprentices in one location, and find out which companies are recruiting for certain positions
Anyone can attend (student, parents, grandparents, friends)

Community Night Details

This GAP apprenticeship event is similar to a career and college fair. It’s a time when all companies accepting apprentice applications that year are at a single location, each with their own table set up. Representatives from the companies that are taking apprentices this year are on hand, ready to speak with interested students and parents as well as answer any questions they may have about the organization and possible career paths. 

Community Night is a good opportunity to learn which companies are hiring for which positions, as this could change yearly — and some companies may only hire for one type of apprenticeship, while others might hire for multiple career paths.

Upcoming GAP Community Nights

There are usually at least two Community Nights each fall, typically one in October and another in November.

FREE TO ATTEND – NO SIGN UP REQUIRED

Company Tour/Open House Details

A company tour and apprenticeship open house event takes place after Community Night. Students interested in applying for an apprenticeship, as well as their parents and friends, can get an inside look at a local company offering an apprenticeship. You might receive a tour of an entire plant, view a video with insights from company department heads, or get to see a real workspace area.

This is a chance to get a feel for the people you might work with, including current apprentices, mentors, and company leaders. Parents and students also get to see what the training would be like and experience the work environment firsthand. To be considered for a GAP apprenticeship, students must attend at least one company tour and open house with a parent or guardian.

Upcoming Company Tours/Open Houses

Nov. 14, 2024 – Jan. 25, 2025
Times and Locations Vary

Students and parents are welcome to attend.

SIGN UP NOW!

Valuable Connections That Can Last a Lifetime

The people you meet at a GAP event can help you throughout your apprenticeship training and career. You’ll have the chance to network and develop friendships that can provide support and assistance over the long term.

Meet Company Representatives

Introduce yourself to mentors and department heads, show your interest in being recruited, get a feel for the work culture, and learn about employee benefits.

Speak With Apprentices

Find out about work responsibilities from current GAP apprentices and graduates working for the company you’re interested in.

Connect With Students Like You

Meet other apprenticeship applicants, see who you might be training or taking college classes with, and start building relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions About GAP Events

Here are a few common questions we hear from students and parents. If you have any additional questions that aren’t covered here, contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

GAP apprentices aren’t automatically accepted or placed in a program when they apply. That’s because a GAP apprentice is an actual employee of the company they are matched with, so companies choose the specific students they want to recruit and hire. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you leave a great impression, so they’ll remember you when it’s selection time.

Since you need to be personally selected by a company for an apprenticeship, it’s important to establish a one-on-one relationship with their representatives early on. 

Here are a few top tips for ways you can stand out to companies recruiting apprentices:

  • Introduce yourself to company representatives and let them know what school you attend
  • Be as outgoing as you can, demonstrate your maturity, and show you can communicate effectively
  • If you have certain skills, be sure to share them with the company representative
  • Do your best to meet all the employers attending Community Night

Overall, keep an open mind. Consider which companies and career paths could be the right fit for you, even if it’s a career path you’ve never heard of before. It could surprise you!

While GAP students are able to “earn while they learn,” a GAP apprenticeship isn’t easy. Students are working full time while going to school, and much effort falls on the parent or guardian to assist with transportation or offer moral support. The apprentices who are the most successful are those who have full parent support, which may include driving students to class or work if needed or offering encouragement that motivates them to keep going.

Ready to attend?

Sign up for an upcoming company tour, or show up at our next free Community Night.

Sign Up Here