Agencies work to increase Idaho apprenticeships
A team of state agencies is using more than $5.8 million in federal grants to foster growth and expansion of registered apprenticeships as a solution for Idaho businesses struggling to find a skilled workforce.
State agencies involved in the partnership include the Idaho Department of Labor (ApprenticeshipIdaho), the Idaho Workforce Development Council and the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education. Idaho employers are represented by the Idaho Business Education Council.
Registered apprenticeships provide a high-quality career path that allows employers to develop a skilled workforce customized to meet their needs.
For job seekers, a registered apprenticeship means paid work experience, classroom instruction and a nationally-recognized credential. Employees who complete a Registered Apprenticeship program have a higher job retention rate of up to 91 percent.
Businesses benefit as well. For every dollar a business invests in registered apprenticeships, they see an average of $1.47 back in increased productivity, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Idaho Department of Labor apprenticeship coordinators added more than 100 new occupations and enrolled 546 Registered Apprenticeships during the fiscal year ending June 30, nearly three times more than the previous year.
Events planned to take place during National Apprenticeship Week include:
• Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. MST Apprenticeship Strategic Planning Session - Virtual Event Meeting with all CSI state apprenticeship stakeholders for sponsoring companies for electrical, plumbing and maintenance programs. Includes a presentation on benefits of being federally registered.
• Nov. 19, Noon to 1 p.m. MST The Idaho Department of Labor Registered Apprentice Program Virtual event hosted by the Society of Human Resource Management Idaho Department of Labor representatives will provide an overview of its Registered Apprenticeship and Veterans Services programs. Details on these and events across the country can be found at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week
Events held earlier in the week included a Tuesday virtual event hosted by North Idaho College. The All Things Senior – Work Bound program was recorded and will air on Idaho Public Television at a later date. Also, on Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Labor One-Stop Partners group held a virtual meeting to discuss their roles and programs that contribute to apprenticeship.
Information: ApprenticeshipIdaho.gov or https://www2.labor.idaho.gov/Apprenticeship