Apprenticeship Programs at Cañada College
We have several programs currently in development, each with a different structure
and serving
different industries but we are primarily focused on XR and Digital Marketing for
the calendar year,
2023.
XR Apprenticeship Program
The Cañada College Extended Reality (XR) Apprenticeship Program (XR refers to augmented
reality
(AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) development), funded by a California
Apprenticeship
Initiative (CAI) grant, trains, facilitates placement of, and supports eligible candidates
in entry level
positions with partner employers. Some occupations in XR studios include Junior Developer,
Game
Designer, and Production Manager.
Once placed in a position with an employer, the apprentice works to fulfill their
On-the-Job Training
(OJT) and receive Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) through Cañada College. Successful
completion of the program is expected to take six to eighteen months, depending on
studio
production cycles and the individual schedules of apprentices.
While further employment with a partner employer is not guaranteed, a graduating apprentice
is
certified by the State of California in their chosen occupation and well positioned
in the industry with
hours of real-world experience and technical training by industry experts.
If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please contact David Gainey for
more information:
gaineyd@smccd.edu
The XR pre-apprenticeship training introduces students to the latest tools and processes
they will use
in the development of VR/AR applications. This program is currently offered as an
introductory and
more advanced not-for-credit course during our Summer Session. Completion of the advanced
course in good standing qualifies the student for the XR Apprenticeship Program.
For more information, please visit our Menlo Park, Workforce Division site:
Basic Program
Advanced XR Program
Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Program
In addition to our program in XR development, Cañada College also has a grant funded
apprenticeship
program in digital marketing that we are integrating into our business, UX, and digital
art course
offerings. As more information becomes available, we will keep you updated.
Other Programs
As were learn more about apprenticeship, grow our network of employer partners, and
better
demonstrate the positive impact apprenticeship can have on the lives of our students,
we will develop
new programs.
Currently, there is demand in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Kinesiology,
and Funeral
Services that could quickly be met through apprenticeship. We are exploring these
opportunities.
FAQs
How long is the apprenticeship program?
The program runs for a minimum of six months, with the apprentice eventually demonstrating
a
working knowledge of predetermined competencies.
How many hours does the apprentice work?
A minimum of twenty hours per week.
How much is the apprentice paid?
The starting salary for an apprentice is $22/hour. Calculated as a living wage in
the San Francisco Bay
Area.
Will an apprentice get a raise?
Yes, after demonstrating a working knowledge of certain predetermined competencies
(after about
three months), the apprentice will receive a raise, making their new pay $26/hour.
Does the employer pay the full wage of the apprentice?
By utilizing some other funding sources, the employer will be reimbursed up to 50%
of an employee’s
wage over their six month, 20 hours/week, tenure.
How many hours of classroom teaching with the apprentice receive?
While receiving On the Job Training (OJT) at the partner employer, the apprentice
will also receive a
total of 144 hours (approximately 5.5 hours/week) of Related Supplemental Instruction
(RSI) taught by
an industry expert.