The Apprenticeships Reaching Career Horizons – or ARCH – is a first-of-its-kind program of the San Joaquin Office of Education where students can earn college credits and receive on-the-job-training in paid positions as a state-registered apprentice.

Among the first to complete this program is Carter Lacey, who was a junior at Ripon High in 2020 when he entered the program.

He’s among the original students to participate in the ARCH program, and began working as an Information Technology Support Specialist apprentice for Ripon Unified.

On Wednesday, SJCOE will recognize Lacey as the first student to complete ARCH. The morning event will take place at 11 o’clock in the RHS Multi-Use Room, 304 N. Acacia Ave.

Carter Lacey completed his required apprenticeship courses at Delta College. He received his associate degree from Modesto Junior College at is currently attending Stanislaus State.

ARCH – coordinated by SJCOE’s College Readiness department – is made possible through a California Apprenticeship Initiative grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s office.

Prior to this program, state-registered apprenticeship programs were not available in high schools, according to SJCOE.

“Apprenticeship programs registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards are highly structured, require a long-term commitment, and must meet requirements to maintain the highest level of work-based learning,” said SJCOE in Monday’s press release.

As a state-registered apprentice, Lacey earned a wage while learning on the job with industry professionals.

He also completed the required 144 hours of coursework related to his occupation.