March 18, 2025

R-CCC and Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center Forge Strong Workforce Development Partnership

RCCHC earns 2025 Apprenticeship NC’s Outstanding Registered Apprenticeship Award 

AHOSKIE, NC –Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) and Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC) have strengthened their commitment to workforce development through a dynamic partnership that enhances career training opportunities in the healthcare sector. Through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), this collaboration is equipping aspiring healthcare professionals with hands-on experience, technical expertise and career advancement opportunities.

Since the program’s inception, more than 50 apprentices have successfully completed their training, achieving a 100% completion rate. Currently, RAP supports 10 registered occupations including Certified Medical Assistant, Medical-Laboratory Technician, Information Technology Specialist, Pharmacy Technician, Registered Nurse and Medical Coder/Biller. In 2025, the program is expanding further to include Medical Administrative Assistant and Dental Assistant/Hygienist apprenticeships, broadening career pathways in the healthcare field.

The RAP at RCCHC integrates R-CCC’s classroom instruction with real-world, work-based learning, ensuring apprentices gain both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving abilities. Apprentices benefit from incentive pay, encouraging them to maintain high performance and successfully complete their training programs. Workplace safety is also a core value, with rigorous protocols in place to provide a secure learning environment. 

Celebrating success is an integral part of the program. R-CCC and RCCHC host signing and graduation ceremonies to recognize apprentices’ hard work, with top performers receiving media recognition and special awards for their achievements.

In recognition of its exceptional commitment to education and workforce development, RCCHC has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Apprenticeship NC Outstanding Registered Apprenticeship Award. This annual honor, presented by Apprenticeship NC, a program under the North Carolina Community College System, highlights RCCHC’s innovative and effective workforce training efforts that benefit both employees and the healthcare industry. As a recipient of the award, RCCHC is recognized for its exceptional commitment to workforce development, education and apprenticeship success.

“The partnership between R-CCC and RCCHC is a testament to the strength of community-driven workforce development,” said Steven Mathews, Vice President of Workforce and Institutional Advancement at R-CCC. “By aligning education with industry needs, we are not only building a stronger healthcare workforce but also creating sustainable, high-quality career pathways for individuals in our region. I am extremely grateful to have such a powerful relationship with RCCHC and for them to be named for this award is well deserved.” 

As the program continues to expand, it stands as a model for innovative workforce training and community engagement, ensuring the next generation of healthcare professionals is well-equipped to meet industry demands.

Dr. Murray J. Williams, President of Roanoke-Chowan Community College stated, “This partnership between R-CCC and Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center exemplifies the power of education and industry collaboration in strengthening our local workforce. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience, we are equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand healthcare careers. The success of our apprenticeship program is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty and industry partners, and we are proud to see RCCHC recognized for its outstanding commitment to workforce development."

For more information about the Registered Apprenticeship Program at R-CCC, please contact the Workforce Development Office at 252-862-1202 or visit www.roanokechowan.edu.

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243