Apprenticeship Alabama is recognizing National Apprenticeship Week from Nov. 12 – Nov. 18. National Apprenticeship Week celebrates how work-based learning opportunities are providing career pathways toward high demand jobs for business and industry partners. The week-long event held by the United States Department of Labor highlights the advantages of apprenticeship, expressing the need for highly-skilled workers. Apprenticeship Alabama will be one of the many programs participating in this nationwide event.

This year, National Apprenticeship Week is expected to be their biggest yet. Since the start of National Apprenticeship Week in 2015, there has been more than 200,000 people attending nearly 2,000 events nationwide in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. This week is important to raise awareness of apprenticeships in sectors that they are not normally used. “National Apprenticeship Week also gives apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community.” says the U.S. Department of Labor website.

“Employers are having a difficult time finding skilled workers. We simply need another tool in our toolbox to close the skills gap,” said Patsy Richards,” program manager, Apprenticeship Alabama. “The unemployment rate is low, but companies are still unable to meet their workforce needs. Statistics show 91 percent of apprentices who complete their Registered Apprenticeship program remain employed.”

Apprenticeship Alabama will be celebrating by holding an Apprenticeship Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at Trenholm State Community College Patterson Campus, Building D. The focus will be Youth Apprenticeship “The Advantage of Engaging the New Workforce First.” The program will stress how important it is to engage the younger audience regarding apprenticeship and the need for skilled workers. The summit 8:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. There is a $15 registration fee that will include lunch.

If you would like to get involved with Apprenticeship Alabama, or get to know more about their organization please visit apprenticeshipalabama.org.