Blog Archives
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…
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%…
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” byMatthew Crawford. This book explores the differences between office work and manual workand argues that blue- collar professions are worth pursuing as a career path. (which we alreadyknow) Matthew is a motorcycle mechanic by choice and his wise and often humorousphilosophy really made me ponder and appreciate that I have chosen sewing as a hand-drivenoccupation to sustain me. He questions why manual work “has suffered such a devaluation asa 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 sewingis an automation proof industry…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Missouri Apprentice Regional Resources
————– 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…