Director Of Apprenticeships And Credentials

Job Title: Director of Apprenticeships and Credentials

Reports To: Strategic Director of Workforce Development 

Location: Morganton, NC

Job Type: FLSA Exempt, Salaried, Full Time

About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC with reach across the state and region. Our mission is to found and grow interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers, while rebuilding a diverse working class, based on locally rooted wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers in building an economy for all. 

TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Job Overview: The Director of Apprenticeships and Credentials develops and oversees the comprehensive work of establishing pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, micro-credential, and credential programs in a number of industries. This program grew out of strategic work carried out by the National Science Foundation Textile Innovation Engine Team and the Work in Burke Team. This person will work with the Workforce Development team to develop and integrate pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, micro-credential, and credential programs for careers in industries such as Textile Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Construction, and other regional industry clusters. 

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain The Industrial Commons as a registered Sponsoring Organization with ApprenticeshipNC, including the development, implementation, and oversight of Group Sponsorship apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, across industry sectors.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and credentialing opportunities that align with workforce development goals and industry needs.
• Design, launch, and manage apprenticeship and credential programs across targeted industry sectors, ensuring successful implementation, participant outcomes, and program growth.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, community colleges, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to support program success.
• Collaborate with employers and educational partners to develop and align related instruction, curriculum, and training pathways that meet workforce and participant needs.
• Ensure compliance with ApprenticeshipNC requirements, including program registration, participant monitoring, reporting, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Partner with the Workforce Development Team to recruit, place, and support apprentices, pre-apprentices, and credential program participants.
• Connect participants to supportive services, career pathways, and additional resources that contribute to successful program completion and employment outcomes.
• Oversee program implementation timelines, deliverables, budgets, and operational processes to ensure effective and sustainable program execution.
• Collect, analyze, and report program metrics to evaluate outcomes, strengthen program delivery, and support funding, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Foster collaboration across Workforce Development initiatives to ensure apprenticeship and credential programs are integrated within the broader ecosystem.
• Develop strategies that promote the long-term sustainability, scalability, and replicability of apprenticeship and credentialing initiatives.
• Represent The Industrial Commons and its apprenticeship and credentialing programs at local, regional, state, and national meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational priorities.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or 10+ years of relevant experience with Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, workforce training, or credentialing programs.
• Knowledge of ApprenticeshipNC requirements, workforce development systems, community college partnerships, and industry-recognized credential programs.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives, timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables simultaneously.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Ability to analyze program data, evaluate outcomes, and use metrics to drive strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Experience developing program strategies, implementation plans, and sustainable growth models.
• Knowledge of curriculum development, adult learning principles, career pathway design, and workforce training best practices.
• Ability to balance day-to-day program management with long-term strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to represent programs to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to advancing workforce opportunities and supporting participant success through accessible programming.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for apprenticeship and credentialing program staff.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and monitor progress toward program goals and deliverables.
• Support employee engagement, professional development, and a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
 

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout office, meeting, and work environments to access equipment, materials, and communicate with others.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
• Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic formats.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $60,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience and based on 40 hours per week.
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to hr@theindustrialcommons.org with the subject line  the subject line “Director of Apprenticeships and Credentials”