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New apprenticeship program will train 1,500 healthcare workers in Missouri

A new program through the Missouri Chamber Foundation will help meet the growing demand for health care workers by training up to 1,500 apprentices across the state.

The Missouri Chamber Foundation has launched the Industry-Driven Healthcare Apprenticeship Program thanks to a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant and $1.35 million federal appropriation.

“This program will help create good-paying jobs and bolster apprenticeship training systems across the state,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “We are excited to partner with some of Missouri’s leading health systems to expand access to quality health care for all Missourians.”

Health care systems participating in the program include BJC HealthCare, CoxHealth, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, Mercy and University Health.

“We’ve seen a lot of challenges coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Todd Ahrens, president and CEO of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System. “Anything we can do to support bringing in bedside and clinical folks is a huge help to the health care system.”

Employers participating in the program will receive $2,000 for each apprentice they train in occupations such as:

  • Medical assistant
  • Surgical technician
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Phlebotomist
  • Certified nursing assistant
  • Medical coder
  • Biomedical equipment technician
  • Dental assistant
  • EMT
  • Radiology/CT technician

The goal is to train 1,500 apprentices by January 2026 and transition over 95% of those trained apprentices into permanent, full-time employees.

“Registered apprenticeships are great for not only the employer, but also the employee,” said Emily Harrington, administrative director of employee relations at CoxHealth. “As the employer, we’re able to develop our pipeline of workforce. As the employee, they’re able to gain on-the-job skills while getting paid. So, it’s a win-win.”

“Something we say around here a lot is that we meet folks where they are and then provide the care that they need,” said Vivian Elder, executive director for educational programs at Jordan Valley Community Health Center. “I think apprenticeships allow us to do the same thing with students.”

Another key objective of the program is cultivating a diverse workforce by engaging people from various backgrounds, including people of color, people who are unemployed, disabled individuals and veteran workers.

“We know in health care, we serve our broader community,” said Russell Hoffmann, vice president of culture and organizational development at BJC HealthCare. “We want to make sure we represent that broader community.”

“If someone has not had a family member or loved one work in health care, they may not know that health care is an option for a career or even how to start that journey,” said Jessica Atchison, executive director of professional practice at Mercy Hospital Springfield. “Apprenticeships give us the ability to really widen that workforce pool and see who is out there that might be interested.”

“We’ve seen a diverse group of individuals looking to apprenticeship opportunities, but the main thing we’ve seen in candidates is the desire to provide more for their family,” said Dr. Ruth Pullins, Chief Human Resources, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at University Health. “This eliminates a barrier that many had to start a training program, knowing that the hospital is investing in their education.”

The Industry-Driven Healthcare Apprenticeship Program is modeled after another successful program focused on IT jobs. Since its inception in 2020, the Missouri Chamber Foundation’s Industry-Driven IT Apprenticeship Grant program has served over 3,000 apprentices.

To learn more about the Industry-Driven Healthcare Apprenticeship Program, visit mochamber.com.

New apprenticeship program will train 1,500 healthcare workers in Missouri

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St. Joseph – A community that comes together for youth

Guest Author, Clara Liles, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Hillyard Technical Center

The Northwest Missouri Regional Youth Apprenticeship program is the epitome of how true collaboration within a community can enhance education as well as reap rewards for the local economy. The program initiated out of the Workforce Alliance efforts between the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and the St. Joseph School District. The data collected from Chamber studies showed high need areas and those were targeted for program occupations. The related technical instruction happens at Hillyard Technical Center and the on-the-job training takes place at our 36 industry partners. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Institute for Workplace Skills & Innovation, Department of Labor and the Missouri Apprenticeship Team have all helped the program to grow and expand since its’ inception.

St. Joseph has been recognized as one of the best places to work in manufacturing. In a school district with 69% free and reduced lunch and 70.5% attendance, this program makes learning relevant and puts our youth on a path for upward mobility. This is a step in the right direction toward helping our youth become productive citizens and hopefully stay in our community. Apprenticeship empowers youth to be able to make choices based on their passions and propels them into middle-wage careers without debt.

Montana Frakes graduated from Hillyard Technical Center’s Computer Services Program in 2022 and completed the Registered Youth Apprenticeship program for Information Technology Generalist. He has since accepted a full-time position with local company Offsite Image Management and is concurrently pursuing his degree in Computer Science.

Montana wanted to send this message to young students, “Hillyard really opened the door to multiple job opportunities for me. If you’re willing to study and get your certifications, you’ll be rewarded greatly. I truly think Hillyard is the best program St. Joe has to offer for any high school student. Even if you aren’t sure what you want to do as a career, I’d encourage anyone to branch out and find a program they want to try. Even if it’s just to learn a new trade, this opportunity will not come again, especially without financial need.”

There are two key facets that have made our program successful – the structure of the program and the support the students receive as they are entering the workforce. The structure of the program is a pre-apprenticeship to registered apprenticeship model. Students fill out the interest form at the beginning of their junior year and all students are accepted. Pre-apprenticeship gets them thinking about registered apprenticeship as an option and preparing for the workforce through preparation of resumes, practicing interviewing skills, high attendance requirements, and a B or higher in their technical course. Ultimately, students who are chosen for apprenticeship are celebrated at a signing ceremony in which they are announced as a registered apprentice with their company sponsor and are celebrated by family and school personnel.

Students like Hesston Schopfer, Collision & Body Repair Apprentice at Ken Smith Autobody, come in with strong employability skills and the desire to learn which makes the transition to the workforce very smooth.

Hesston has this to say about his pathway, “I’ve always had a higher work ethic from my father and being raised on a farm. I knew college wasn’t for me since 7th grade. I knew I wanted to join the workforce or a tech school and when I came to Hillyard the opportunity presented itself. I’ve loved every second of the apprenticeship program and it has helped me connect with people and realize what I want to do with my life. Going to Ken Smith has been great, they’ve helped me learn more effectively and taught me to work harder and faster.”

Trade careers are finally starting to get the recognition and valuation that they deserve. Easton Lysaght is an example of a student who has always done well in the academic world yet finds the greatest reward in working with his hands. Easton is in the top 10% of his graduating class at Lafayette High School and a welding student at Hillyard Technical Center. Easton has found fulfillment this year in being able to do what he loves as a Registered Youth Apprentice at Midland Steel in Wathena, Kansas.

Easton’s mother, Wende, has this to say about his chosen career path. “My husband and I are so proud of our son, Easton, for following his dreams and becoming a welder. We have always stressed the importance of college or a professional plan for our children for their future.  Three of our children have chosen the college route. When Easton came to us as a sophomore and said he didn’t want to go to college, we were a bit surprised. Easton has always been one of the top 11 students in his class and is qualified for the gifted program through SJSD. I always assumed he would go to college. His dreams and plans lead him in a completely different direction. When his dad and I asked him what his plan was if he didn’t want to attend college, he replied with ‘I would like to attend Hillyard and go into the field of welding.’ He independently gathered data on the qualifications for his dream career and what he wanted to accomplish in his life. It was easy to support his decision with all he presented to us.”

“The path Easton chose has been such an exciting and successful one for him. Easton applied for an apprenticeship through Hillyard and was chosen by Midland Steel. He has been acknowledged by his employer as exemplary.  I often think of the Dr. Suess book, “Oh The Places You Will Go”, when talking about the decision Easton made that wasn’t along the beaten path. He chose a path less traveled and is being rewarded immensely by it thus far.”

There are 25 seniors graduating this year that are on track to receive their Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificates. This month we will be celebrating the signing of 32 students in the next Youth Apprentice cohort. These success stories would not be possible without the support of industry partners and a community that believes in working together to support the development of our greatest asset, our youth.

Photos: John Morris, Video Production Specialist, St. Joseph School District

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Apprenticeships in sewing bring a unique career pathway

Guest Author, Linnca Stevens, Operations Manager / Co Founder, The Sewing Labs

The Sewing Labs Robert Lackie instructs apprentices on fabric layout.

I recently read a book titled “Shop Class as Soulcraft: An inquiry into the Value of Work” by
Matthew Crawford. This book explores the differences between office work and manual work
and argues that blue- collar professions are worth pursuing as a career path. (which we already
know) Matthew is a motorcycle mechanic by choice and his wise and often humorous
philosophy really made me ponder and appreciate that I have chosen sewing as a hand-driven
occupation to sustain me. He questions why manual work “has suffered such a devaluation as
a component of education.” And how “the potential for human flourishing in the manual trades”
… gives us rich cognitive challenges and psychic nourishment.”

As I connect with employers and supporters of the field of Industrial Sewing, I share that sewing
is an automation proof industry (almost). Sewist’s cannot be replaced in the job market because
robotics cannot handle the limp textiles. While technology continues to try to replace the
humans we know the work we do with our hands forms us. “”It is by having hands that man is
the most intelligent of animals” Anaxagoras – ancient philosopher.

The mission of The Sewing Labs (TSL); to be an inclusive and welcoming community teaching
the legacy of sewing for employment, entrepreneurship and enrichment. The TSL community is
where individuals are nurtured and empowered through the Legacy of Sewing as they strive
towards emotional and financial dignity!

As a Registered Apprenticeship host and Related Training Instructor approved by the United States
Department of Labor, TSL focuses on individuals from underserved communities
but serves all persons in our community. We are preparing a pipeline of stitchers for our greater
Kansas City community. This pipeline starts with the individual where they are and connects
them to training at The Sewing Labs and then moves them into paid Apprenticeships with local
employer partners within the Kansas City and surrounding communities. The TSL Sewing
Salon training prepares the sewists with the universal fundamental skills and knowledge of
sewing within the 30 week program which opens the opportunity for a variety of career choices.
While clothing manufacturers were the first to utilize sewing machines, today the sewing
machine has advanced and developed to include programmable and automated sewing with
touch screens and Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems. This is where IT meets sewing. It’s
not your grandma’s sewing machine anymore!

As I often state “We all wear clothes, so someone must sew them” … but don’t limit sewing to
just garment construction. TSL has requests for sewists from a variety of employers; fashion
and custom clothiers, product inventors to garment repair and alterations to theatrical costuming
and stage supply. Upholstery for home, commercial seating & awning and within the automotive
and marine industries. We value our On The Job Apprenticeship employer partners of;
Alterations Custom Sewing, Sandlot Goods, Fabriquilt, Weave Gotcha Covered! And
Sacred Stitches. (we welcome more employer partners) In Kansas City we also have nationally
known companies such as Tempur Sealy, Serta Simmons, Knit Rite, Hanes, David’s Bridal,
URBN and more. The opportunities don’t stop there, with many, many local companies using
sewists.

The occupations of Industrial Sewing Machine Operators have many factors that support the
underserved populations. Companies offer full time and part time positions, flexible hours and
full benefits. There are union and non-union houses, subcontractors and remote occupations.
This industry actively supports individuals with a wide array of backgrounds. These fundamental
skills and knowledge are universal; the individual sewists can easily transfer between industries
and companies.

Currently, the marketplace needs to improve the valuation of the skills required of an Industrial
Sewing Machine Operator as many workers only make minimum wage. Industrial sewing
machine operators from the TSL Apprenticeship program have put in over 20 months and
2200+ hours into their training. This equates to obtaining an Associates Degree of College. We
know that in order to create sustainable and lasting change we need to place a greater
emphasis on the skills of the individual and improve the equity and diversity in the workplace
culture. Skills are as important as college degrees. Apprenticeships give all individuals the
opportunity to advance their skills, gain financial & emotional dignity and become independent
without the price tag of tuition.

Please consider sharing this information with audiences that you feel would benefit from and
support this cause. Learn more about The Sewing Labs, Sewing Salon Training program by
contacting me at linnca@thesewinglabs.community or call 816-888-3051.

Thank you to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce for advancing the conversation… and the
cloth continues.

Linnca Stevens, Operations Manager and CoFounder, The Sewing Labs
Sewing Salon Sewists at The Sewing Labs in 2022
Don Bosco Community Center celebrates 2021 Sewing Lab completers.
The Sewing Labs, Cali Roberta Cox, Classroom Instructor & Production Manager, at work in the shop.
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Missouri Chamber’s Tech IT Grant Growing Tech Talent One Apprentice at a Time

More than 2,000 apprentices have been trained through a training program led by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In 2020, the Missouri Chamber earned a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand apprenticeships in support of our state’s fast-growing technology industry. Since that time, the Chamber Foundation has used that money from the Closing the Skills Gap grant program to bring together industry employers from different areas of IT and provide a space where employers can empower each other’s success.

“Missouri’s technology companies are fueling job growth in our state,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “We are supporting that growth by providing funding directly to Missouri employers so that they can set up apprenticeship programs. By empowering our employers, we are helping create good-paying jobs and apprenticeship training systems that will last long after the grant funding has been spent.”

Currently there are 2,090 people enrolled in the grant program. Of that total, 925 are people of color, 865 are females, 162 have a disability and 58 are veterans. Our employer partners include: Oracle Cerner, Cyderes, CyberUp, Bitwise Industries, Cognizant, and LaunchCode.

So far, 719 individuals have completed their apprenticeships earning nationally recognized credentials and yielding other life-changing results including permanent employment, salary increases and promotions.

“The apprentices in our program are earning an average of $61,000 annually upon completion of the program,” Mehan said. “We are changing lives through this program.”

By the time the grant program is scheduled to end in 2024, nearly 5,300 apprenticeships will be developed across Missouri and beyond to address critical needs in computer programming, network support, cybersecurity and other IT/Technology shortage areas.

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Yeah, WE Built That!

According to the 2020 St. Louis Economic Workforce Report, women make up 51% of the workforce, yet nationally only 4% account for the construction industry.  The Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development-Missouri Apprenticeship Team recently reported that 8% of Missouri’s apprentices are women.  In the past, it has been a struggle to get women into the trades.  The Construction Forum’s mission is to facilitate the collaboration of all the stakeholders in the STL Region’s construction industry to create inclusive, robust employment and economic growth.  Four Rivers Career Center will be hosting The Construction Forum, “Yeah, I Built That…and So Can You!” panel on April 27, 2021 from 9:30AM- 10:30AM.  This is a virtual event, so please register here:  http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=yhtlezqab&oeidk=a07eht65dsy36fd55fd

Join us as we provide an opportunity to share and bring awareness to middle school and high school youth of the many career opportunities in the Construction-Built environment.   The Four Rivers Career Center(FRCC) has 79 Building Trades students taught by instructors, Jeff Frankenberg and Robert York.  Like the workforce percentage, only three females are enrolled.  You will get to meet our 17 year-old Carpenter Apprentice, Morgan Phinney.  She is a registered apprentice and employee of Jasper Quality Construction.  She is also the first FRCC female to join the STL-KC Carpenters Regional Council apprentices.  Our panel of experts are Dr. Linda Little, Asst. Director of the St Louis Electrical JATC; Sheena Jones, Sheet Metal Worker; Eli Knight, Project Manager, Green Street Building Group; and Cory Elliott, Founder and CEO of CMT, LLC.  Cynthia Walker, Apprenticeship Coordinator, FRCC will be facilitating the discussion.

Our BUILD Academy is what caught the eye of Diana Wilhold of The Construction Forum. Our FRCC Director, Andy Robinson was recently awarded one of their “Building Tomorrow Awards”.  BUILD Academy (Building Unique and Innovative Learning by Design)offers an authentic project-based learning experience to over 100 sixth-grade students from the School District of Washington (SDOW). College and Career Specialist-Annie Wieland and a team of four 6th grade educators from two SDOW Elementary Schools were challenged to create an innovative, practical application of core education through the Building Trades program at FRCC.   Using what the students learned in their classroom, they applied practical and career relevant skills to design and construct a dog house.  These dog houses are auctioned off in a community event that helps fund the program.  This high energy,  career-ready program recruits 6th graders into the construction program and exposes students to possible careers that they may not know exists before they enter the BUILD Academy.  Read more about the “Building Tomorrow Awards” and the Construction Forum here:  https://www.washington.k12.mo.us/cms/one.aspx?portalId=163522&pageId=33004783

Four Rivers Career Center (FRCC) Works!  Not only does the excellent instruction work, but it meets industry standards for students to gain skilled employment. Our students are going to work in career areas they have trained in, not just gaining them a general high school diploma.   High quality career and technical training introduces a student to the world of work, teaching both workplace readiness skills and skills that they will use in a lucrative career field. Building blocks are taught to get them started and lifelong learning is encouraged.

Since gaining certification with the Department of Labor, closely working and being trained by members of the Missouri Apprenticeship Team, and our ATR, Wade Johnson, the Youth Registered Apprenticeship (YRA) Program has signed 32 apprentices, and 25 employers in 9 occupations.  The program captured the attention of Department of Labor Intermediaries like TransPORTS and Urban Institute as well as Governor Parson in March. Just a few short weeks ago, Diana Wilhold, Deputy Executive Director of The Construction Forum, came for a visit and to present the “Building Tomorrow Award” to FRCC Director Andy Robinson. 

As I first stepped onto the FRCC campus in November 2019, I was met by Superintendent, Dr. Lori Van Leer; Director, Andy Robinson; and College and Career Specialist, Annie Wieland.  I was immediately impressed with the hospitality of the staff, variety of programs offered, and the state of the art laboratories.  They shared their vision of apprenticeship and I quickly wanted to join forces.  The Building Trades 1 & 2  instructors, Jeff Frakenberg and Robert York would be the key to our success.  They observe these students and know what it takes for them to excel in this industry.

Collaborating with the Washington Chamber of Commerce, City of Washington Officials, and local employers, the FRCC Apprenticeship mission was executed and the program was registered in June 2020.  Our industry relevant instructors have made merit based recommendations for 45 students.  Our employed 34 Youth Registered Apprentices span industry competencies of Carpenter, Machinist, Welder, Auto Tech, Collision Repair Tech, Pool and Spa Tech, Information Technology, and Engineering.  With decades of employer relationships, the FRCC has made this program a smooth pipeline for long-term employment opportunities for our students.  In January 2021, we worked with Scott Byrne, SDOW Board member, and RJ Catizon,Outreach Specialist/Intake Coordinator for St Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program on how to get the St. Louis/KC Regional Council involved to better our apprenticeship opportunities for students interested in the union.  Within a month, we had 8 students signed with area union employers.  Independent contractors are also in the wings to join.  As our vast team looks back on 2020-2021, we can truly say, “Yeah, WE Built That”.  Together with many minds and hands working together the story is still being written on the impact this Career Technical Education Center will make on the workforce and in particular the Construction-built environment. 

Pictured Sitting Left to Right: Andy Robinson, FRCC Director; Robert York, BCT2 Instructor; RJ Catizon,Outreach Specialist/Intake Coordinator for St Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program; Morgan Phinney, Carpenter Apprentice; Zach Jasper, FRCC Graduate and Carpenter at Jasper Quality Construction; Wade Johnson, Office of Apprenticeship ATR; (Standing left to right) Dr. Lori Van Leer, SDOW Superintendent; Jeff Frankenberg BC1 Instructor; Jasper Quality Construction owners, Donny and Diane Jasper.
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Pre-Apprenticeship Funding

In February 2021, the Office of Workforce Development launched an initiative to fund pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the state.

A $1 million investment of federal funds will be used to create pre-apprenticeship opportunities, supporting pathways to Registered Apprenticeships.

Community colleges, local workforce development boards, career and technical education programs, and some labor management organizations will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $50,000. Grants can be used to develop curriculum, to build an apprenticeship program, and will require a pilot cohort.

MO Apprentice Ready will strive to meet the following goals: to create 10 new pre-apprenticeship programs, to increase the diversity of Registered Apprenticeships, and to increase active apprentices in existing programs through pre-apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of services designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship program. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a pre-apprenticeship program must have a documented partnership with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program.

Applications opened Feb. 17, and will close on Monday, March 15. Grant recipients will be announced on Thursday, April 1. To view the application and other relevant information, please click here.

If you have any questions about the application and its process, please contact jeanna.caldwell@dhewd.mo.gov.

In April, Dr. Mardy Leathers will be presenting on the vision and need for pre-apprenticeship programs in the State of Missouri at the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Workforce 2030 conference, please visit the Workforce Conference 2030 site for more information.

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Inside Missouri’s Apprenticeship Revolution

Apprenticeships are booming in Missouri. As Missouri businesses continue to search for the skilled workforce they need, more organizations are turning to this time tested — yet suddenly cutting-edge — training tool.

Although apprenticeships are commonly associated with skilled trades like construction, today’s apprenticeships exist in nearly every industry — including information technology, manufacturing, health care and energy.

For workers, apprenticeship can serve as the bridge between school and a profitable career — or as a streamlined pathway to advancement if seeking a career change. Apprentices earn while they learn, reducing or eliminating student debt altogether. They receive hands-on training from seasoned industry professionals and career-relevant classroom time, all in one program. 

Likewise, employers benefit from developing a broader and more diversified talent pool, ensuring that institutional knowledge is passed down before experienced workers retire and reducing recruiting and turnover costs. 

Research shows about 94 percent of workers retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program, earning an average salary of $70,000 which leads to a $300,000 lifetime earning advantage over non-apprentices. 

Missouri is considered a leading state in the advancement of today’s modern apprenticeship models. In 2019, our state ranked second in the nation for new apprenticeships, and currently there are nearly 14,000 apprentices in Missouri. 

And thanks to several developments, Missouri continues to lead in apprenticeships.

Most recently, the Missouri Chamber Foundation was awarded a $6 million U.S. Dept. of Labor grant to train 5,300 new technology industry apprentices over the next four years. These apprenticeships will address critical needs in computer programming, network support, cybersecurity and other shortage areas. 

According to the Missouri Chamber Foundation’s Technology 2030 Report, Missouri is projected to be among the top 10 states in tech job growth over the next five years. In order to meet the demand, Missouri needs to be supporting innovative ways to help employers find the talented workers they need. 

“We know that businesses across the state are struggling with workforce right now. Today’s talent gap is especially concerning for businesses in our state’s fast-growing technology industry. We need to do everything we can to make sure our state is poised to take advantage of the influx of technology jobs that are being created in Missouri,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “This progress could not have come at a better time.”

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri was instrumental in securing the apprenticeship funding. He has been a strong supporter of growing the apprenticeship model. 

During his time working on this issue, Blunt said he had met several apprentices who only discovered the apprenticeship track later in their careers after working a series of jobs with little or no upward mobility. 

“Eventually they wound up in this apprenticeship program. But to get there, most of them had lost about 10 years,” said Blunt. 

He refers to this trend as “the lost decade.”

“What do we do to create that connection earlier for young people to know what they’d like to do? And in the case of an apprenticeship program, actually get out and do it?” Blunt said. 

Several important developments are helping Missouri answer that question and continue to set the pace for the country in apprenticeships. 

One big change was establishing Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPs. IRAPs include certifications that are transferrable from employer to employer, credentials which are particularly valuable for workers. Missouri is one of only four states that recognize IRAPs, thanks to House Bill 2046 sponsored by Rep. Derek Grier and passed by state lawmakers in 2019. 

“It’s a huge boon for industry in Missouri that we can now work with not just traditional registered apprenticeships, but we now can ensure the integrity and quality of Industry Recognized Apprenticeships and help design programs that are supportive of employers,” said Dr. Mardy Leathers, director of the Missouri Division of Workforce Development. 

That momentum continues with the newly-launched Missouri Apprentice Connect, a website the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry developed in partnership with the Missouri Dept. of Higher Education and Workforce Development. 

This innovative service helps employers with registered apprenticeship programs find aspiring apprentices. The site also makes it easier for Missourians to take advantage of the outstanding career and skill growth opportunities that apprenticeships provide. More than 200 employers and partners have already signed up. 

“With Missouri Apprentice Connect, our state is continuing to lead the U.S. in apprenticeship innovation. We are encouraging our members and job creators across Missouri to learn about the advantages of hosting a registered apprenticeship program. We also want Missouri workers — those who have lost their jobs and those who are ready for something more — to seriously consider pursuing an apprenticeship as a way to enhance their skills and grow into a new career,” said Mehan.

The need to prevent “the lost decade” and get workers into skilled jobs sooner is not lost on companies like Cerner. 

The global health care technology company’s successful existing apprenticeship program made it possible for them to become the lead partner on the Missouri Chamber Foundation apprenticeship grant. 

“We’re more than happy to share our success stories and best practices of what we’ve learned and to help other organizations that are facing similar challenges,” said Bill Huffaker, Cerner’s senior vice president of integrated talent. 

Other key partners on the grant are several of Missouri’s leading technology companies, including World Wide Technology, Jack Henry, Fishtech and CyberUp. 

CyberUp, a nonprofit based in St. Louis, provides training and career placement opportunities for apprentices. 

“We are blessed as a state to have great academic institutions for those that pursue traditional pathways into careers, but we’re also fortunate to have great programs driving apprenticeship for our state to help individuals for whom college isn’t an option,” said CyberUp Executive Director Tony Bryan. “Very excited about the next several years of doing this grant with the Missouri Chamber and proud to support the state of Missouri and help drive workforce.”

Apprentice Mickey Price used CyberUp’s training programs to learn about careers in cybersecurity and ultimately landed an apprenticeship at Barry-Wehmiller, a global supplier of manufacturing technology and solutions. 

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do in technology, but I knew I was looking for on-the-job training,” said Price. 

Price began her apprenticeship remotely in March 2020 during the pandemic lockdown. 

“I went back to school for network engineering and now I’ve got a job in the industry before I even have my associate’s degree,” she said.

She said the experience “totally changed the trajectory” of her education and that she didn’t know where she would be right now were it not for the program. 

“I might be still in customer service without them,” said Price. “I couldn’t be more grateful to everybody.”  

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Missouri Apprentice Regional Resources

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Did you know Missouri Apprentice Connect is website is full of resources? While you are searching for an apprenticeships you may find that the appropriate opportunity exists outside of your region or that you need more support to be able to access the training you need. The resources provided are designed to give insight on the community that your next adventure takes place in.

¡       Are you wondering what museum’s exist in your future zip code?

¡       Do you want to know where you can meet up with you new coworkers after hours?

¡       Have you wondered what your transportations options are?

¡       Do you need assistance with balancing life, school, and work at the same time?

The resources on Missouri Apprentice Connect include Apprenticeship Resources, Art & Culture, Missouri Chamber’s, Nightlife, and Transportation.

If you are looking for apprenticeship resources for your region of Missouri here is how you find them: 

Click on this link: https://www.moapprenticeconnect.com/regional

Click on the region on the map that you are interested in.

Click on Regional Resources heading below the regional map. 

The Apprenticeship Resource Links will be the top group on this page. 

The Apprenticeship Resource Links include informational handouts and links to connect you to your job center and Local Workforce Development Board.

No matter where Missouri Apprentice Connect finds you—we want to connect you to your community!

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