Workforce Development Board marks National Apprenticeship Week

The week of November 14-20, 2016 marks the second annual National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the value of Registered Apprenticeship.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliff recently issued a proclamation citing the importance of the Registered Apprenticeship system to the Commonwealth, and recognizing National Apprenticeship Week as an excellent opportunity to recognize the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the Virginia economy. The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board (SVWDB) and its partners in the $4 Million “Valley to Virginia American Apprenticeship Grant” are announcing community events to observe the week.

“The goal of National Apprenticeship Week and events like those hosted by our partners are to educate businesses and individuals about the importance of registered apprenticeship programs that lead to great jobs and positively impact our economy,” said Sharon Johnson, CEO, SVWDB.

The U.S. currently has over 375,000 apprentices working with 150,000 employers.  Last year, President Obama established a goal of doubling the number of apprenticeships within five years to help address workforce skills gaps.  Over the last 75 years, Registered Apprenticeship has progressed from construction  to apprenticeships in more than 1300 occupations, including careers in healthcare, IT, energy, as well as manufacturing, transportation, and construction.

Regional activities recognizing National Apprenticeship Week will include:

• Open House featuring Registered Apprenticeship at Valley Career and Technical Center, Fishersville, Nov. 16 (9 AM-9 PM).
• Live and recorded podcast at Lord Fairfax Community College, Middletown, Nov. 15, 8:30 AM.
• Debby Hopkins, SVWDB Workforce Officer, will present at the Virginia Apprenticeship Symposium in Virginia Beach on Nov. 16, 8:30 AM-5 PM.
• Massanutten Technical Center and Valley Career and Technical Center will feature employers and apprentices on local radio stations.
• Blue Ridge Community College’s high school career coaches will promote registered apprenticeship careers to students during the week.

The SVWDB showcased a number of regional Registered Apprenticeship success stories in their recent video“Registered Apprenticeship: A Proven Workforce Solution.” One of those success stories is the F.R. Drake Company in Waynesboro, who has used Registered Apprenticeship as a tool to recruit employees for over 30 years. “With the Registered Apprenticeship program we get consistency in employees’ skills and training,” said Drake President, Tom Ivy. “It also reduces turnover for the company and gives us a more satisfied workforce. Our apprentices feel like we are invested in them and they’re invested in us.”

To learn more about registered apprenticeship, contact the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, Division of Registered Apprenticeship (www.doli.virginia.gov); to learn more about grant funding available to support registered apprenticeship, contact Debby Hopkins at [email protected].;www.valleyworkforce.com; 540.442.7134.