Looking For A Great Job? Apprenticeships Are Creating High-Paying Jobs

The Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation at the November 16th Commission meeting recognizing National Apprenticeship Week which runs now through November 21st. The County will honor construction apprenticeship programs that contribute to building a pipeline of high-quality and skilled workers for the future of our economy.

Construction companies doing business with the County are required to use apprentices under a program introduced by Mayor Steve Geller and approved by the County Commission. The program began on April 5, 2021 and requires that 12% of labor hours on County-funded construction projects be performed by apprentices. "My number one priority is to create high-paying jobs in Broward County. There is a shortage of skilled labor for construction projects and this program creates opportunities for training and employment," said Mayor Geller. The requirement applies to construction projects valued over $5 million. Apprenticeship programs must be registered with the Florida Department of Education to qualify.

Apprenticeships offer paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employers value. Apprentices earn a paycheck while learning from day one, and gain workplace-relevant skills in the field of their choice. Ninety-Five percent of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program.

Mayor Geller will be holding a trade meeting with educators and employers to promote the apprenticeship program on November 18th as there are more than 72 million apprentice job openings in the workforce nationwide. "Many of the vacancies remain unfilled because companies cannot find people with the right skills or trades," said Sandy Michael McDonald, the Director of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD). OESBD coordinates the County's Construction Apprenticeship Program with the intent to support, build relationships and educate the public and community partners about available opportunities within the construction industry.

What is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. It includes:

• Paid Job - Apprentices are paid employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employers' needs.

• On-the-Job Learning - Develops skilled workers through structured learning in a work setting.

• Classroom Learning - Improves job-related skills through education in a classroom setting.

• Mentorship - Provides apprentices with the support of a skilled worker to assist and enhance critical hands-on learning.

• Credentials - Offers a portable, nationally-recognized credential to be issued at the completion of the program.

Why Become an Apprentice?
Through an apprenticeship program, you can obtain paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employer’s value. 94% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $70,000. Learn more about the benefits of apprenticeship for career seekers and prospective apprentices.

Now in its seventh year, National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration established by the U.S. Depart-ment of Labor that brings together leaders in business, labor and education to showcase the impact apprenticeship programs have on addressing the U.S. skills gap and preparing the American workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Using Apprenticeship to Pivot to New Career Paths in Technology
Career seekers with different backgrounds and interests are pursuing jobs that start with apprenticeship. IBM is one company that is recruiting "new collar" tech workers by giving career seekers without a college degree the chance to earn while they learn, and ultimately pivot to new career paths in technology.

For more information about how to become an apprentice and National Apprenticeship Week, visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/career-seekers