In March 2012, West Virginia University at Parkersburg announced a partnership with American Electric Power (AEP) and the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship to offer training to develop an associate of applied science degree in occupational development. This program was built on a state initiative to help provide West Virginia’s work force with enhanced credentials.
AEP began the process by working with the U.S. Department of Labor to certify its apprenticeship program. Once certified, WVU Parkersburg can work with individuals in the apprenticeship program to convert their noncredit training into college-level credit. WVU Parkersburg recognizes that these employees have gained more than 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and have earned more than 850 hours of classroom time.
“We are very pleased with the collaboration and new relationship with AEP,” says Dr. Rhonda Tracy, WVU Parkersburg senior vice president for academic affairs. “The degree program was designed to meet the goals and mission of AEP by incorporating leadership and teamwork into the program of study as well as recognizing the apprenticeship training that employees receive on the job.”
Additional coursework from the college will enhance the apprenticeship program and continue the growth of the student. The courses were selected to be relevant to both the employer and employee. They are offered in flexible and online formats to allow employees to complete the classes while employed. Upon completion of the associate’s degree, AEP employees can seamlessly pursue a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from WVU Parkersburg.
“We believe we have crafted an occupational degree program that is groundbreaking and that will provide opportunities for both the workforce and the college,” said Tracy.
