The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 15 – 21. Governor Mike Parson signed a proclamation acknowledging the celebration in Missouri and citing the benefits of the program.
Missouri ranks in the top 10 in the nation across four out of five categories for Registered Apprenticeships, including the rank of third in the nation for completed apprenticeships, and fourth for new apprentices. MDHEWD and the Office of Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning (OAWBL) is prioritizing access to registered apprenticeship programs, as well as expanding current programs, and launching new partnerships. In FY 2021, Missouri had 14,520 active apprentices across 460 registered programs. In 2019, Missouri established a goal of having 20,000 apprentices by 2025. Currently, Missouri is on track to reach its goal in advance of the deadline.
Registered Apprenticeships offer a pathway to a rewarding career in which the apprentice is able to earn as they learn, while avoiding the costs that can often be associated with other forms of postsecondary education and training. The model is a win-win for both apprentices and Missouri businesses and industries. The apprenticeship model allows industry partners to address skills gaps and ensure a highly skilled workforce for the future.
“Missouri embraces the future of work through its strong partnership in apprenticeships to influence the global market place,” said Governor Parson in his proclamation.
“A strong Missouri workforce is an important part of Missouri’s economic future,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “Apprenticeship is an important option for students, job seekers and employers. Apprenticeship Week honors the efforts of both the apprentices and the partners that make the programs successful.”
Celebrations of apprenticeship will be going on all across the country this week with Missouri holding its Apprenticeship Summit in Columbia on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MDHEWD would like to invite businesses and the public to visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/apprenticeship_missouri.php and https://www.moapprenticeconnect.com/ to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in Missouri.
About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.