Skilled trades are at the center of a growing workforce challenge. Employers are placing greater focus on how talent is developed, not just how it’s hired.

In CoVaBiz Magazine, a regional publication covering economic development and industry trends across Coastal Virginia, business leaders describe how they are addressing that gap through partnerships, internships, and apprenticeship programs that are reshaping how talent is recruited, prepared, and retained.

CoVaBiz recently highlighted Busch Group USA and its role as a Registered Apprenticeship Partner with ECPI University and Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in “Perspectives from Around the Region: Skilled Trades” and “From Sausages to Semiconductors.”

How Does ECPI University Support Workforce Development with Busch Group USA?

The partnership between Busch Group USA and ECPI University is structured as a Registered Apprenticeship program, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, designed to prepare individuals for specific technical roles while supporting a long-term workforce pipeline.

The program prepares individuals for roles critical to Busch’s operations, including CNC machinists, industrial maintenance and assembly mechanics, and mechatronics designers. These positions require both technical training and applied experience aligned with real job expectations.

Jake Young, marketing business partner for Busch Group USA, says, “Our company became a Registered Apprentice Partner with ECPI and ATI in 2025, and we’re proud to continue strengthening our investments in these programs which have proven invaluable as we continue building a pipeline of skilled talent that will propel our continued growth.”

The partnership also supports a broader talent development effort. Busch Group USA has used its university relationships to bring in interns across technical and professional roles, providing early exposure to its operations and work environment. Over the past nine years, the company has employed 35 interns, many of whom have moved into full-time roles.

Together, these efforts support succession planning and help ensure the company maintains the workforce needed to operate and grow.

How Do Registered Apprenticeships Fit into ECPI University’s Model?

Registered Apprenticeships are one way ECPI University connects education directly to workforce needs.

Rather than separating classroom instruction from job expectations, these programs are developed in collaboration with employers. Training is aligned with specific roles, and students gain experience that reflects how work is performed in the field.

One of ECPI University’s enduring Registered Apprenticeship partners is Volvo Cars USA. Since 2021, this partnership has demonstrated how employer-aligned programs support workforce needs while maintaining a consistent focus on applied, job-relevant capability.

The goal is continuity. Registered Apprenticeships create a clearer transition from education to employment, helping both students and employers move forward with greater confidence.