This week is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)—a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of registered apprenticeship for building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.
NAW highlights how registered apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, provides a critical talent pipeline that can help to address some of our nation's pressing workforce challenges, such as building our country's infrastructure, managing critical supply-chain demands, supporting a clean-energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, and responding to care-economy issues.
Apprenticeships are innovative training programs that allow employers to develop and prepare their future workforce, while providing individuals with a learn-while-you-earn approach to career development. Apprenticeships can be paid, on-the-job, in the classroom, mentorships, or credential based.
The benefits of apprenticeships for future workers are pretty clear, as they provide a pathway to fulfilling, family-sustaining careers, but there are also many benefits for employers. According to ApprenticeshipUSA, these programs help employers:
- Recruit and develop a highly-skilled workforce that helps grow their business
- Improve productivity, profitability, and an employer's bottom line
- Create flexible training options that ensure workers develop the right skills
- Minimize liability costs through appropriate training of workers
- Receive tax credits and employee tuition benefits in participating states
- Increase retention of workers, during and following the apprenticeship.
Here in Pennsylvania, there are 1,596 registered apprenticeship programs with 16,802 active apprentices, and 99 registered pre-apprenticeship programs. Since 2017, Pennsylvania has seen a 14% increase in active apprentices.
The Wolf Administration is committed to supporting these programs to continue to provide opportunities for learners across the commonwealth. About four years ago, Governor Wolf launched the Statewide Movement for Accountability, Readiness, and Training—also known as PAsmart—to help Pennsylvanians develop the skills and abilities they need to obtain a quality jobs, while also helping businesses to recruit skilled workers and foster economic growth.
PAsmart grants have supported schools, students, workers, and businesses across the state, and continues to help Pennsylvanians develop the skills they need for the job they want. It also supports businesses by creating a skilled workforce to hire.
Learn more about Pennsylvania's apprenticeship opportunities by visiting L&I's website, and join the Pennsylvania apprenticeship conversation using the hashtags #ApprenticeshipsInPA and
#Apprenticeships.