Tribal College Apprenticeship Program

The Tribal College Apprenticeship Program (TCAP) is a new initiative funded by Hess, Nabors, and Halliburton Corporations with the five North Dakota tribal colleges to improve the educational, training, and employment opportunities for students (and others) across North Dakota.

Launched in January 2023, TCAP is a four-year initiative funded at $14 million as an investment by Hess, Nabors, and Halliburton Corporations for the tribal colleges to establish registered apprenticeships in a variety of disciplines for tribal and regional employment. The funding will be used to support students but also to help employers with workforce needs.

The apprenticeships will be created at the tribal colleges with the help of Lake Region State College (LRSC) who have implemented the Earn and Learn model from the U.S. Department of Labor. LRSC is a key partner for the initiative. Each tribal college will have a dedicated staff position to lead and coordinate the program.

An Advisory Council has been established with State recognized leaders, the North Dakota Tribal College System (NDTCS), LRSC, and representatives from the three corporate donors to provide guidance, networking, and general oversight of the program.