A growing number of area businesses are participating in a nationally recognized program to benefit students.

Apprenticeships help ease the transition from school to a career by enabling students to learn and work at the same time. This is according to information supplied by the U.S. Department of Labor, which is promoting an employer-driven training model called ApprenticeshipUSA.

Apprenticeships can be customized to meet the needs of virtually all types of businesses. On-the-job learning and related classroom instruction are key components of the model, which serve to increase an apprentice’s skill level, career opportunities and wages.

Canadian Valley Technology Center began partnering with area businesses to offer students Registered Apprenticeships last year. Currently, students from six full-time programs are participating. All earn a paycheck.

Among the participating businesses is a cozy coffee café on Historic Route 66 in Downtown Yukon.

Vacca Coffeehouse owner Mike Gray said he initially registered for apprenticeships for two CV Tech students. Mason Sershon, 19, of Mustang, is still working there several months later.

“Mason showed a real interest in what we do from the start,” Gray said. “He was one of our main kitchen guys, but we have since trained him to do food prep and plating during weekend rush periods. He’s very meticulous.”

Gray said he believes many employers would benefit by hiring apprentices. He has begun the process of hiring another apprentice. Gray said the extra hands are a big help to his small staff of 11 employees.

The Registered Apprenticeship model mandates paid jobs with promised wage increases as training progresses. Pay varies, based on skills required. Sershon’s hourly pay has increased from minimum wage to $10 per hour. Another partner business, Security Solutions, of Mustang, offers CV Tech apprentices $15 per hour starting pay students because they can operate manual lathes and milling machines.

Upon completion, apprentices receive a nationally recognized credential from the Labor Department as evidence of experience gained in a specific industry.

Others offering Registered Apprenticeships include The Dean McGee Eye Institute, INTEGRIS Health, and Keiser Accounting, of Oklahoma City.

Sershon said he enjoys the work and appreciates earning while learning.

“I make waffles, pastries, sandwiches, salads and parfaits,” he said. “I prepare food and prep the kitchen. I still do dishes when they pile up. For now, this is helping me get more job experience until I find the job where I think I belong.”

Vacca is located within the shops at 10 W. Main. Founded in 2016, Vacca (Italian for “cow”) features signature ice cream that is made onsite in small batches and served semifreddo (Italian for “half frozen”). The process hinders formation of ice crystals and enhances flavor.

Treats include carrot crunch cake, muffins and large cinnamon rolls adorned with thick cream cheese icing and pecans (English for “yum”). Craft coffees include mocha, matcha and macchiato, which are served up alongside other favorites like chai, cocoa and cappuccino. A signature drink is a whipped cream-topped “Vaccacino.”

Apprenticeships have spread rapidly nationwide. There are roughly 600,000 registered apprentices, according to information supplied by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Oklahoma has work to do. The Sooner State lags behind all neighboring states per capita for registered apprenticeships.