TESU and Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center Expand College Credit Opportunities for Apprentices

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) and the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center (EASCTC) are expanding their partnership to provide more union carpenters with opportunities to earn college credit for apprenticeship training through the University’s Professional Learning Review (PLR) process.

The expansion extends the partnership’s existing reach to six additional training locations, strengthening pathways between skilled trades apprenticeships and higher education. Through the partnership, eligible union members can earn up to 74 college credits for training in seven trades: carpenter, millwright, piledriver, cabinetmaker, floor layer, upholsterer and locksmith.

These credits are now available to union members who completed training at participating EASCTC locations across Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

“By expanding this partnership, we are helping more skilled trades professionals translate the knowledge and expertise they have gained through apprenticeship training into college credit, creating new opportunities to complete a degree, advance their careers and achieve their educational goals,” said University President Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D.

Since its founding in 1972, TESU has prioritized recognizing and evaluating college-level learning acquired outside an academic setting. Through the University’s Office of Professional Learning Reviews, TESU has expanded its approach from individual assessments to comprehensive, programmatic reviews that evaluate workplace training, industry-recognized credentials and professional education for college credit.

The partnership recognizes the advanced technical knowledge and specialized skills that union carpenters develop through rigorous apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training. By awarding credit for this learning, TESU enables apprentices and skilled trades professionals to apply their experience toward a college degree, potentially reducing both the time and cost required to graduate.

The expansion reflects TESU and EASCTC’s shared commitment to workforce development, educational access and the recognition of learning acquired beyond the college classroom. By extending credit opportunities to additional training locations throughout the region, the partnership creates a more accessible pathway for union members to build on their professional experience and pursue further educational and career advancement.

TESU’s PLR program is part of the University’s longstanding commitment to flexible, accessible higher education for adult learners. By evaluating learning acquired through professional experience and structured training, the University helps students make progress toward a relevant degree or certificate while maximizing the value of knowledge they have already gained.

For more information, visit the University’s PLR student information page. Interested individuals may also contact TESU Admissions at admissions@tesu.edu or 609-777-5680. When contacting the University, individuals should mention “PLR Credit” to help ensure their inquiry is routed appropriately.