Celebrating the Success and Opportunity of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a powerful, win-win solution for employers and employees. The National Fund’s regional workforce collaboratives are partnering with employers in communities across the country to build strong apprenticeship models in traditional industries, such as manufacturing and construction, and new industries, such as IT, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
This week, we marked National Apprenticeship Week with important discussions around equity in apprenticeships and by sharing practical resources and apprenticeship successes from our network.
The Infrastructure Bill as Opportunity
Our monthly State of Our Workforce chat goes beyond the Department of Labor’s employment and jobs numbers to explore issues at the forefront of workforce development.
CEO Amanda Cage sat down with one of our newest team members, Director of Worker Success Carrie Felton, to discuss how workforce actors can use funding from the new infrastructure bill to make real change for people and communities of color through an intentional approach to equitable apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship Resources to Get You Started or Improve Your Program
- Apprenticeship Employer Readiness Checklist
- Strengthening Employer and Industry Engagement: A Self-Assessment Tool for Youth Apprenticeship Leaders
10 Apprentices Graduate Program Despite Pandemic Challenges
Triad Workforce Solutions Collaborative, North Carolina
The pandemic has made education challenging for everyone, but Guilford Apprenticeship Partners rose to the occasion. GAP works to develop a pipeline of skilled employees for current and future jobs in the region’s advanced manufacturing industry. They recently graduated 10 apprentices from the four-year program and welcomed 40 new youth apprentices!
Growing into a New Career with Pre-Apprenticeship Training
Wilmington Alliance, Delaware
Edward Robinson had been a cook for many years. “I was cooking for so long that I didn’t want to do it anymore,” he said. “It was time for a career and not just a job.”
He took the leap and participated in the Wilmington HOPE Commission and Brandywine Skills Training’s pre-apprenticeship six-week construction labor course. Together with 20 others in the program, Robinson learned general carpentry skills, including how to use power tools, properly measure and scale, and apply drywall. They also learned interview skills and attended job fairs to connect them to opportunities.
“Now I can get a job anywhere in the field of construction,” said Robinson. “It is a life changer.”
Robinson currently works at a property management and maintenance company. His case manager continues to work with him to support his success outside of the pre-apprenticeship program.
Learn more about the National Fund’s apprenticeship work here. Also check out #ApprenticeshipWeek and #NAW2021 on social for more from the National Fund and workforce partners.
