November 17 - 23: 10th Anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week
As an advocate for workforce development, the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week! National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and Local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity. NAW gives Registered Apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community.
Why apprenticeships?
Pennsylvania’s diverse industries are the cornerstone of our economic success, but skills gaps and talent shortages cause employers to struggle to meet business demands. Meanwhile, skilled, well-paid positions are going unfilled. Registered apprenticeship programs help recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce, benefitting employers and workers. Employers see reduced turnover, lower training costs, and an improvement in productivity. Apprentices can earn a paycheck while receiving hands-on training and instruction that results in successful, well-paid, and family-sustaining careers.
Registered apprenticeships allow employers to develop and prepare their future workforce, while offering an earn-while-you-learn approach.
Benefits of Registered Apprenticeships include:
Employment
Increased Skills
Wage progression
Industry-recognized credentials
How is Pennsylvania helping the workforce?
Established in 2016, the Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) within the PA Department of Labor & Industry is responsible for guiding and promoting the expansion and compliance of all registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The ATO currently supports 884 unduplicated registered apprenticeship program sponsors and 1,561 occupation-specific programs across the Commonwealth. Additionally, there are 112 registered pre-apprenticeship programs and 1,477 pre-apprentices currently active. These programs connect Pennsylvanians with family-sustaining jobs. Apprenticeship opportunities are available in a variety of industries, including programs in manufacturing, construction, energy, and transportation. Emerging industries such as professional services, education, agriculture, IT, telecommunications, hospitality, healthcare, and energy offer apprenticeship programs, as well. Pre-apprenticeship programs were created to prepare individuals for entry into a registered apprenticeship program. These programs are often strategically targeted to youth and young adults. These programs can include collaboration between schools, community organizations, employers, business associations, and local workforce development boards to help lay the foundation for the next generation of workers. With a structure like a registered apprenticeship program, each pre-apprenticeship program establishes a connection to an existing apprenticeship program and delivers both hands-on and instructional-based learning. Through these programs, pre-apprentices are provided with the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential while having access to support services and career counseling.
Additionally, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a Proclamation that officially names the week of November 17th to the 23rd of 2024 Apprenticeship Week. Click the button below to review Governor Shapiro’s Proclamation.