Fifth annual observance spotlights career potential of apprenticeship training
As a proud partner of United States Department of Labor and solid advocate for workforce development programs and initiatives, the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Workforce Development Board 83 is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 11-17.
National Apprenticeship Week brings together labor leaders, businesses, educational institutions and apprenticeship professionals to highlight the impact apprenticeship programs have on closing the workforce skills gap and highlights the diverse career pathways found through apprenticeship programs.
By preparing the American workforce for current and future jobs, Apprenticeships have the ability to equip job seekers with the educational tools and hands-on training necessary to secure employment.
There are over 50 registered apprenticeship programs in Louisiana representing various industries, including plumbing, nursing, carpentry, medical billing & coding, welding, electrical and barbering. Louisiana’s ongoing expansion of apprenticeship mirrors the commitment at the federal level to foster more work-based learning opportunities for American job seekers. Labor statistics show a growing interest in the apprenticeship model, as more than 21,000 registered apprenticeships have been established nationwide.
This week, Governor John Bel Edwards signed a proclamation declaring November 11-17, 2019, as Registered Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week in the State of Louisiana. It additionally highlights the importance of Louisiana Apprenticeship Law, which is helpful to workforce initiatives and reiterates the benefits of apprenticeship in preparing a highly-skilled workforce to meet the talent needs of employers across diverse industries.
“Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to support the employment spectrum and ensure a sustainable and highly skilled workforce,” says LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie. “They afford job seekers with a living wage, on-the-job training, and opportunities for career advancement. Employers also benefit from this model as they are supplied with well-trained workers who are uniquely qualified to meet their labor needs. Louisiana must continue to invest in apprenticeship development to generate opportunity and economic growth.”
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the Registered Apprenticeship Division will engage in activities to increase awareness about apprenticeships and to educate employers on the benefits of apprenticeship activities.
On Nov. 13, in partnership with the Workforce Development Board 83, LWC will host a National Apprenticeship Week Celebration at the Rayville Civic Center, 827 North Louisa Street in Rayville.
“Apprenticeships offer mutually beneficial solutions for addressing labor shortages through the cultivation of competent, capable, and skilled workers,” said Sterling Dolese, Director of Apprenticeship for the LWC.
According to Katie McCarty, a Program Director with Workforce Development Board 83, “apprenticeships can help businesses develop highly-skilled employees, reduce turnover rates, increase productivity and lower the cost of recruitment."
The LWC acknowledges the impact apprenticeship programs have as a critical component of the state’s workforce development efforts and celebrates the expectation of continued future growth and preparation of Louisiana’s workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
