NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 2, 2018
Information Contact: John Russ, (208) 332-3570 ext. 3303 or Georgia Smith, (208) 332-3570 ext. 2102
Idaho Celebrates Apprenticeship Week Nov. 12-18
Idaho apprenticeship programs and apprentices are on the rise across Idaho and the nation. As the number of Idaho businesses sponsoring apprenticeships more than doubled from 2016 to 2018, the number of registered apprentices increased 67 percent.
Idaho Department of Labor Director Melinda Smyser attributes the increase to more Idaho training centers, technical schools, community colleges and institutions delivering industry-specific instruction, technical education and other certified training through Registered Apprenticeships in a variety of ways.
“Our goal is to provide workers with the specific skills that meet the needs of Idaho employers,” Smyser said. “We do that by supporting a combination of structured learning with on-the-job training. Idaho’s earn-and-learn model allows us to do that, and at the same time, keep down student debt.”
Idaho organizations across the state will engage employers, job seekers and students this month to share and show them the benefits of tapping Registered Apprenticeships as a way to reach career goals and meet the workforce needs of businesses.
More than a week’s worth of events before and during National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 12-18) will highlight the benefits of apprenticeships across a wide swath of industries.
Locations, dates and descriptions are as follows:
Nov. 7 – Lewiston – Hiring Veterans for Apprenticeships – 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Ernie’s Steakhouse, 2305 Nez Perce Drive. Have lunch with local and regional veteran services staff, learn how apprenticeship programs work and how GI Bill benefits help businesses recruit and retain veterans as employees. For more information, contact Diane.Hairston@labor.idaho.gov or call (208) 799-5000 ext. 4132.
Nov. 13 – Boise – An Overview of Registered Apprenticeships – 12:30 to 2 p.m. – Dennis Technical Education Center, 8201 W. Victory Road. Employers will learn how to set up and run an effective Registered Apprenticeship program. Speakers will dispel program myths, answer questions about engaging high school students, developing program standards and understanding why more companies don’t develop these types of programs. For more information, contact sean.kelly@boiseschools.org or (208) 854-5818. To attend, register online.
Nov. 14-15 – Boise – Sixth-Grade Tour – Dennis Technical Education Center, 8201 W. Victory Road. Boise School District sixth-grade classes will tour the facility and learn what program of study schools offer.
Nov. 14 – Heyburn Apprenticeship Signing Ceremony – 7 p.m. – Mt. Harrison Junior/Senior High School, 1431 17th St., Heyburn. Local officials will recognize the efforts of students entering the machine operator Student to Registered Apprenticeship Program (STRAP). For more information, contact Chet.Jeppesen@labor.idaho.gov or call (208) 678-5518 ext. 3109.
Nov. 14 – Idaho Falls – Medicaid and Apprenticeships – 9:30 to 11 a.m. – College of Eastern Idaho, 1600 S. 25th St. E. Local businesses that bill to Medicaid will want to attend this session on Registered Apprenticeships. Department of Labor staff will share the process involved and funding available for businesses that bill to Medicaid on how to establish Registered Apprenticeship programs. For more information, contact Brandon.Moffat@labor.idaho.gov or (208) 557-2500 ext. 3800.
Nov. 14 – Idaho Falls – STRAP Overview – 4 to 5:30 p.m. – College of Eastern Idaho, 1600 S. 25th St. E. Businesses, school district personnel and student body representatives will learn how STRAP works and discuss the benefits to business of Registered Apprenticeships as a means of solving recruitment challenges. Invitation only. For more information, contact Brandon.Moffat@labor.idaho.gov or (208) 557-2500 ext. 3800.
Nov. 14 – Twin Falls – How to Develop a Registered Apprenticeship Program – 10 a.m. to noon – College of Southern Idaho, Applied Technology and Innovation Center, 315 Falls Ave. Participants will tour local businesses and learn more about the apprenticeship program at the College of Southern Idaho. For more information, contact Davy Gadd at DGadd@csi.edu or Katrina Oksten at KaOksten@csi.edu or (208) 732-6382.
Nov. 15 – Coeur d’Alene – Second Annual North Idaho Apprenticeship Fair – 9 a.m. to noon – MAXIMUS, 7600 Mineral Drive. Hear from Idaho businesses, educators and unions on apprenticeship opportunities for careers in aerospace, health care, plumbing, electrical, utilities and the railroad industry. For more information, contact Tim.LaFountain@labor.idaho.gov or (208) 457-8789 x3267.
To learn more about apprenticeships in Idaho, visit ApprenticeshipIdaho.gov
–end —