The Springfield Apprenticeship Council will host an Ozarks Apprenticeship Connection event on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 4–6 p.m. at the Northview Center, located at 301 E. Talmage St. in Springfield. The Ozarks Apprenticeship Connection event is free and open to the public. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served to guests.
Held in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Week, the Ozarks Apprenticeship Connection event will feature dozens of Registered Apprenticeship program representatives who will discuss local apprenticeship opportunities and help prospective students navigate the application process. Additionally, the event will give employers the opportunity to learn how to create Registered Apprenticeship programs within their organizations.
National Apprenticeship Week offers leaders in business, labor and education the chance to demonstrate their support for apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs help individuals earn progressive wages, receive valuable, on-the-job training, and work toward a portable, industry-recognized credential.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeships have dramatically improved the lives of millions of workers. More than 150,000 businesses in fields such as healthcare, energy and manufacturing have benefited from apprenticeships as well.
The results are substantial – companies that offer apprenticeship programs diversify their workforce, improve productivity and profitability, standardize training, reduce turnover and receive tax credits. For apprentices, the average starting wage upon completion of their apprenticeship is more than $60,000. When compared to their non-apprentice peers, these workers will earn an average of $300,000 more over their lifetime.
In March, Ozarks Technical Community College received a $186,780 grant from the Missouri Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program. Through the grant, the college’s Center for Workforce Development collaborates with local business and industry members, community partners, and regional workforce development agencies to expand and develop Registered Apprenticeship programs across southwest Missouri. The Springfield Apprenticeship Council is one of several initiatives supported by the grant.
For more information about the Ozarks Apprenticeship Connection event, contact Sara Coatney at 417-447-7831 or coatneys@otc.edu.