Governor Mike Parson signed a proclamation designating November 17-23 as Apprenticeship Week in Missouri, a time to help raise awareness about the value of registered apprenticeships for both job seekers and employers and the direct, positive impact apprenticeships have on the state’s economy. Missouri is one of the top states in the nation for registered apprenticeships, ranking second in the nation for completed apprenticeships, third in new and completed apprenticeships, and first in the nation for serving individuals with disabilities.
“Registered Apprenticeship programs play a vital role in strengthening Missouri’s economy by providing opportunity and quality career pathways that support industry needs,” said Governor Parson. “We have seen tremendous growth in apprenticeship opportunities over the years, and we are proud to be leading the nation in our efforts to provide Missourians the skills and on-the-job training they need to be successful.”
Since Governor Parson took office in 2018, over 69,000 new apprentices have participated in registered apprenticeship programs. As of November 2024, there are 22,353 individuals engaged in their registered apprenticeship journey, learning to become experts in various industries and occupations, including building trades, public safety, education, information technology, and health care.
“We have been a sustaining force in creating apprenticeship opportunities and career pathways for all Missourians,” said Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. “Apprenticeship Week celebrates our successes while continuing to raise awareness and recognize how registered apprenticeships put Missouri citizens on a course to well-paying careers.”
The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by hosting its annual Apprenticeship Missouri Summit November 20-21 in Jefferson City. This year’s conference centered around ways to take Missouri to the next level by increasing access to registered apprenticeship career pathways, prioritizing youth workers, and aligning with postsecondary education.
During the summit, four Apprenticeship Missouri Awards were presented to honor the contributions of partnering agencies and organizations. Recipients included:
- John Gaal Apprenticeship Missouri Legacy Award: Full Employment Council — The Full Employment Council developed a Child Development Associate registered apprenticeship program that has served over 200 apprentices to date.
- Partner of the Year: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Registered Youth Apprenticeship Consultants Team — The DESE Registered Youth Apprenticeship Consultants Team worked closely with high schools and career and technical education centers across the state to establish 37 registered youth apprenticeship programs, with over 500 active youth apprentices.
- Provider of the Year: St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program — The St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program is Missouri’s largest registered apprenticeship program with over 1,800 active apprentices.
- Employer of the Year: Faith Technologies, Inc. — Faith Technologies has had tremendous growth in its registered apprenticeship program since initial registration, with over 950 active apprentices training to be commercial electricians and electronic systems specialists.
MDHEWD continues to prioritize increasing access to the registered apprenticeship pathway through resources, partnerships, and funding opportunities. To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in Missouri, visit moapprenticeshipconnect.com and dhewd.mo.gov/workforce-development/apprenticeship-mo.