This week Utah is recognizing National Apprenticeship Week – an awareness effort that celebrates how work-based learning opportunities are providing career pathways toward high demand jobs for business and industry partners. Organized by the United States Department of Labor, it highlights the advantages of apprenticeship, expressing the need for highly-skilled workers.
“Salt Lake City’s employers are having a difficult time finding skilled workers. We simply need another tool in our toolbox to close the skills gap,” says Workforce Development Manager Jake Maxwell “Our unemployment rate is low, but companies are still unable to meet their workforce needs. What I find impressive about the apprenticeship model is the resulting loyalty of workforce.”
The United States Department of Labor reports overall 91% of apprentices will continue employment after the conclusion of the apprenticeship program.
Surprised?
Interest is growing. Since the start of National Apprenticeship Week in 2015, there has been more than 200,000 people attending nearly 2,000 events nationwide in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. This week is designed to raise awareness of apprenticeships in sectors that they are not normally used. Apprenticeship now covers a wide variety of skilled, high paying careers:
Increased awareness of Registered Apprenticeships have contributed to more funding for apprenticeships and created opportunities to expand into new industries.
Registered Apprenticeships benefit Salt Lake City and the skillsets of our workforce. And just like local workforce training programs like SLCC’s new Westpointe Campus (who can also help you with custom training for your business) apprenticeships lead to skilled workers who are trained to industry and employer-specific quality standards as well as reduce turnover, increase productivity and lower training costs. Utah’s job seekers get paid to learn a trade, have guaranteed wages, and obtain credentials that are nationally recognized.
What sets Registered Apprenticeships apart from traditional classroom training programs is the benefit of earning while learning. The challenge of deciding between working a low wage job versus getting certified for a career is solved by the ability to do both — at a higher wage. This reason alone is a bonus for families, employers and training programs; additionally, it stimulates the talent pipeline.
If you are an employer seeking skilled workers or a job seeker looking at career options, it would be worth your time to learn more about Registered Apprenticeship programs and available funding. Get started here: https://jobs.utah.gov/apprenticeship/
Tomorrow, the Utah Division of Workforce Services is hosting an Apprenticeship Job Fair. This can be an opportunity to meet other employers who are making this program work for their business. Or if you can’t make it, DWS can help connect you.
As always, we’re happy to help you find the best solution for your company. You can reach Workforce Development Manager Jake Maxwell jacob.maxwell@slcgov.com or call 385-256-5565.
Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development 