ASPYR’s Post

We are continuing the celebration of the first National Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW)❗From May 5 to 11, 2024, we are celebrating the incredible opportunities that Registered Apprenticeship programs offer to our young workforce. Whether you are a student, educator, employer or simply passionate about shaping the future, YAW is your chance to join the movement. YAW is all about empowering our youth and young adults. Imagine being 16–24 years old and having the chance to earn family-sustaining wages while gaining hands-on experience in your chosen field. That’s what Registered Apprenticeship programs provide! These programs bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, setting youth and young adults on a trajectory toward meaningful careers. Registered Apprenticeships are not just about learning a new skill or occupation; they are about building a sustainable pipeline of talent. As industries evolve, we need skilled workers who can adapt and thrive. YAW showcases how Registered Apprenticeships create a direct link between education and employment, ensuring that young workers are well-prepared for tomorrow’s jobs. Registered Apprenticeship programs allow young people to pursue a meaningful career with experienced professionals supporting them and may include opportunities to earn college credit while doing so. Offering practical training, mentorship and the chance to earn while learning, apprenticeships present a win-win scenario for youth and young adults and employers. Join us for interviews 🎥 with employers and an apprentice TODAY 📣 at 1pm eastern time, let us empower our future workforce, celebrate their achievements and build a brighter future together! 🔆 Join Zoom  https://lnkd.in/g2fjfyW9  Meeting ID: 945 2405 5123 #YAW2024 #IVYTECH #ApprenticeshipUSA #youthapprenticeship #workforcedevelopment

🚀 New Funding Opportunity for NJ Organizations: Expand Your Workforce with the GAINS and PACE Apprenticeship Grants! 🚀 The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development is offering $7 million in funding to help employers, educational institutions, labor organizations, and other groups create impactful apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries. If you're looking to establish or expand an apprenticeship program, this is a fantastic opportunity to secure funding through: 🔹 GAINS Grants – $5 million available to develop new apprenticeships and provide financial support for on-the-job training and wages in sectors like healthcare, construction, and education. 🔹 PACE Grants – $2 million available to remove barriers for pre-apprentices, covering costs like childcare, transportation, and essential job readiness training. Ready to apply but need assistance with the grant process? We specialize in guiding organizations through the grant application process, ensuring your proposal highlights your program’s value and secures the funding you need to grow. 👉 Message us to learn how we can help you make the most of this funding opportunity! #GAINSGrant #PACEGrant #ApprenticeshipPrograms #SunflowerGrantWriters #FundingOpportunity #NJApprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment

My latest blog in celebration of the first Youth Apprenticeship Week! #YAW2024

The apprenticeship model is so ripe for transformation. This article that John Dunn shared via Jobs for the Future (JFF) on the proposed changes to the National Apprenticeship System by the US Department of Labor shows how crucial it is to rethink how educational pathways evolve to meet industry needs. Two words: Innovation and flexibility. Fast-moving sectors like IT and Agriculture can’t wait for best practices to shape up, *and* people who need #apprenticeships can’t wait for a system that isn’t dynamic to their future place of work.

Building a pipeline of diverse apprenticeship candidates is crucial for meeting workforce demand in industries like manufacturing, education, healthcare, and the infrastructure sector! The Apprentice Journey framework from American Institutes for Research can support strategies for creating greater awareness about apprenticeship opportunities that reach more diverse audiences. Find example questions in the Surfacing Insights to Drive Policy and Practice section to evaluate your programs’ outreach and recruitment efforts. https://lnkd.in/gK7GTnct #apprenticeship #workforce #equity

With an eye on the U.S. Department of Labor's proposed plans to revitalize the National Apprenticeship System, Jobs for the Future (JFF) has submitted public comments to ensure the changes result in positive transformations that are aligned with the dynamic needs of today’s employers and workforce. Without strategic refinements, we risk missing a monumental opportunity to drive equitable economic advancement for millions of Americans through the use of #apprenticeship. 🛠 JFF’s Essential Recommendations: • Simplify rules and engage stakeholders in an iterative process. • Scale competency-based models to boost employer participation. • Standardize pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship definitions. • Integrate CTE Registered Apprenticeships with existing pathways. 🔗 Read JFF's full recommendations: https://lnkd.in/ejJhnxUF

With #NationalApprenticeshipWeek just around the corner - it's a good time to think about the impact of "1% more" for your #RegisteredApprenticeshipProgram (RAP). What does “1% more” really look like? - What if you get the most qualified 1% of the employers enrolled in #RAP?  - What if you employ 1% of the unemployed as apprentices? - What if you increased #EmployerParticipation by 1%? The impact of a 1% improvement is significant for job seekers, local businesses, #WorkforceDevelopmentBoards (WDBs), and the apprenticeship program. EconoVue is proud to support WDBs nationwide in getting "1% more" for apprenticeship programs. It's an interesting read. https://lnkd.in/eU6czicu

Are apprenticeships the answer to our current worker shortage? Working Nation explores the resurgence of this "old-school" strategy in a tech-driven economy. The article argues apprenticeships can be more than just stepping stones, offering pathways to long-term mobility. SkillUp is a champion of apprenticeships as an alternative career path and recognizes its importance in our workforce development. Intrigued? Read more here: https://vist.ly/3av3a #workforcetraining #skillsgap #careerdevelopment #workingnation

The Department of Labor's recent proposal for apprenticeship certifications is making waves in the industry, but here at the Merit Apprenticeship Alliance, we're already ahead of the game. Our commitment to excellence in apprenticeship training means we've been meeting and exceeding the standards outlined in the proposal for years. From structured on-the-job training to comprehensive related instruction, we've been providing apprentices with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen industries. Our industry-driven approach ensures that our programs stay relevant and up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. What sets us apart is our collaborative approach with employers, apprentices, and educational institutions. Together, we're shaping the future of apprenticeship training and preparing the next generation of skilled workers. The DOL's proposal may be new, but for us, it's just business as usual. We're proud to continue providing top-tier education and training to apprentices across the country. So if you are already a member, don't be worried. If you are not already a member, contact us today and you won't have to worry either. #Apprenticeship #Training #DOL #MeritApprenticeshipAlliance #SkilledWorkers #Education #Collaboration #construction #constructionindustry

Recent data indicates an 11% increase in young people embarking on #apprenticeship journeys, with nearly 90% of 16-17 year olds engaged in #education or apprenticeships by the end of 2022.    Work #experience, additional income, and networking opportunities are some of the benefits of #temporary and #flexible work for apprentices. In an Interview with FE News our #CCO Yves Schneuwly, emphasizes the significance of upskilling and professional training, noting the diverse range of apprenticeships available for individuals of all ages. Temporary roles also serve as a useful bridge between apprenticeship completion and securing permanent employment.    From February 5th to 11th, the National Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrates its 17th year under the motto “Skills for Life”. The event highlights the importance of apprenticeships in providing pathways to careers and contributing to a high-skill economy. Since 2010, over 5.7 million individuals have begun apprenticeships, with the government investing £2.7 billion by 2024-25 to support further growth.    Read more on the matter and all of Yves’ detailed thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/e9dg8pfB