AUSTIN – During Texas Apprenticeship Week, TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas, encourages employers to discover how Registered Apprenticeship programs provide training opportunities for businesses, education partners, labor organizations and industry associations meet the ongoing need for a skilled workforce. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation recognizing November 12-18, 2017 as Texas Apprenticeship Week to distinguish the importance of apprenticeship programs and the cutting edge of workforce development in Texas.
Texas Apprenticeship Week is a celebration offering leaders in business, labor, education and trade industry partners a chance to highlight how apprenticeships prepare workers for the jobs in-demand today and in the future. The Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) ApprenticeshipTexas encourages local employers and industry partners to develop new apprenticeship training programs and expand on current Registered Apprenticeship training programs for new occupations and underrepresented populations.
“Apprenticeship programs provide Texas employers with a skilled workforce and job seekers have the opportunity to obtain in-demand skills,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “I encourage employers to consider apprenticeships, an effective educational and training solution that supports a broad range of industry sectors and occupations.”
During Texas Apprenticeship Week, TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas staff is engaging with Texas employers to help them explore apprenticeship training models and develop apprenticeship training programs which assist business owners with opportunities to teach specific skills so that new employees hired as apprentices can immediately begin to contribute their talents and skills. Apprentices are empowered to be hands-on from day one, while also earning a paycheck and engaging in the workplace. Upon completion of the training program, apprentices receive a national recognized certification and have little to no student debt.
“Apprenticeship programs provide opportunities to earn while learning skills in high-demand industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “For participating employers, apprenticeship programs contribute to growing talent and having a well-trained workforce to meet their business needs.”
With more than 1,200 apprenticeable trades, more than 6,000 Texans entered an apprenticeship system in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 and more than 14,000 Texans participate in a Registered Apprenticeship program. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual wage for a journeyworker after completing an apprenticeship is $60,000 a year. More information can be found in the Start an Apprenticeship Program in Texas video.
“Employers and job seekers benefit from apprenticeship training because it meets the challenges of retaining quality, skilled workers through hands-on, real world experience which allow trainees the flexibility to earn a wage while preparing for a career with increased skills and competing in a high-demand job market,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez.
Employers seeking information on building the core components of a Registered Apprenticeship training program should contact TWC at ApprenticeshipTexas@twc.state.tx.us or visit the ApprenticeshipTexas website.