GateWay Student Robert Holcomb
Skilled trades professionals build extensive hands-on experience and practical expertise over the course of their careers. Through the credit for prior learning program at GateWay Community College, that experience can translate directly into college credit—helping working professionals finish a degree faster while building on the expertise they already have.
Robert Holcomb demonstrates how this pathway can work. After earning a journeyman electrician credential through the Phoenix Electrical JATC and spending eight years in the field, including four years as an apprentice, four as a journeyman, and two years as a foreman, he decided to return to college.
His motivation was personal as much as professional.
“I wanted to prove to myself and to others that I could do it. I had tried college before, but the classes didn’t feel real or connected to anything. My time as an apprentice helped me build that connection, and I knew I could succeed in ways I wasn’t ready for before,” says Holcomb.
While still an apprentice, he learned that his apprenticeship training could count toward a degree through GateWay’s credit for prior learning process. The program recognizes the rigorous technical training and classroom instruction completed during registered apprenticeships.
“The option was made very clear to me while I was still in the apprenticeship,” he said. “Once I decided to go through the process, the application only took a little time out of my day,” says Holcomb.
Because of the credit awarded for his apprenticeship—and a few previous college courses—he only needed 15 additional college credits to complete his associate degree. He expects to graduate from GateWay in Fall 2026. His long-term goal is to continue part-time toward a bachelor’s degree.
Working toward the degree has already created new professional opportunities. At his current job, it has opened additional offers and pathways for advancement. It has also positioned him for roles as a technical subject matter expert, where field experience combined with communication and leadership skills is highly valued.
“The blending of field experience with the communication skills college encourages looks very useful for technical expert roles,” he said.
Today, he is also giving back to the trade that helped launch his career. He works as an instructor at the Phoenix Electrical JATC, helping train the next generation of electricians. His advice for other journeymen considering the Credit for Prior Learning pathway is simple:
“Don’t be intimidated by the idea of going back to school later in life. The skills you build are another tool in your toolkit, and it opens opportunities.”
National Apprenticeship Week is celebrated this year from April 26-May 2. GateWay Community College offers two Registered Apprenticeships in Electrical and HVAC. The college also offers credit for prior learning for journeymen in 9 construction trades, to provide pathways to college degrees.
For more information, contact Stephanie Stewart at [email protected].