Vermont Business Magazine Governor Shumlin on Thursday signed a proclamation declaring November 13-19, 2016, as Vermont Apprenticeship Week, stating that “the advancement and well-being of the United States depends upon the continued development of workers skilled in their chosen fields”. The proclamation coincides with “National Apprenticeship Week” activities sponsored by the Vermont and US Departments of Labor. Since 2015, the Vermont Department of Labor has been awarded more than $3.9 million dollars in competitive Apprenticeship grants from the USDOL.
The Vermont Department of Labor is reaching out to Vermont business leaders to discuss the benefits of being an apprentice-sponsor, and to students and job seekers to help them understand the opportunities that exist as apprentices. “Vermont employers – across all business sectors – are facing workforce challenges, and registered apprenticeship is a proven solution for recruiting and retaining skilled and talented workers”, said Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan. “As a system, it combined on-the-job training with related instruction and mentoring that develops measurable and real competencies for the job. For students and job seekers, they will earn higher incomes, have a nationally-recognized credential, and in some cases earn college credit during the apprenticeship”.
The Vermont Department of Labor currently works with over 300 Vermont employer-sponsors, unions and industry associations participating in the Registered Apprenticeship program, with over 1,000 apprentices who are employed in diverse occupations such as plumbers, electricians, tramway maintenance technicians, utility line workers, early education and child care workers, law enforcement officers, CNC machinists, IT specialists, technical writers and medical coders. New apprenticeships – in new occupations and industries – are being developed in Vermont, with a particular focus on working with youth, dislocated workers, and under-represented populations.
The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) Apprenticeship Field Reps can meet with employers and job seekers to discuss registered apprenticeship programs. Contact the VDOL at 802-828-5250, or visit your local VDOL Career Resource Office in one of the Department’s 12 locations.
Source: VDOL 11.10.2016