Local organizations host forum – ‘Employers Growing Talent through Apprenticeship’ on Nov. 15
November 12-18, 2018
By Becca Bona
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS), the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce will host an employer forum focused on apprenticeship.
Any and all employers are welcome to attend the free event on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in Argenta from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Attendees will hear from subject matter experts and experienced employers as they discuss the ins and outs of apprenticeship, how and why it works, what it takes to get started, and what resources are available to assist in the process.
ADWS Director of Communications Zoë Calkins says, “Our goal with the event is to raise awareness of apprenticeship and its recent expansion, but also to give employers a solid opportunity to come and hear from their fellow employers who have already done this and had success with it.”
Apprenticeship programs include a paid-work component and an educational or instructional component, where individuals obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and skills. Traditionally apprenticeships have covered skilled sectors such as construction and welding, but with the rise of technology, industry sectors like IT and healthcare – among others – are in high-demand.
During the event on the 15th, for instance, there will be a ceremony to celebrate First Orion’s new software developer apprenticeship program – only the second of its kind in the state.
Calkins gives a brief overview of apprenticeships in general, noting the economic benefits it has for employer and employee alike, as well as the community-at-large. “Apprenticeship is a great approach for Arkansans who are looking to further their education and their career without going to a four-year college. You can develop skills and earn credentials that are in-demand – plus you are a paid employee from day one. At the same time, employers get employees that are guaranteed to have all of the skills needed to fill the jobs that would otherwise require someone with years of experience.”
To ADWS, it’s all about collaborating to create the career paths and then connecting people to available programs, as Calkins explains – “We hear from employers that they have a lot of jobs and the problem comes down to not having qualified people for those openings.”
Thursday’s agenda includes an employer panel featuring representatives from companies currently implementing apprenticeship programs in Arkansas including:
– Mike Rogers: Tyson Foods, industrial maintenance registered apprenticeship
– Libbi Whitehurst: First Orion, software developer registered apprenticeship
– Jason Vincent: Grisham One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, HVAC registered apprenticeship
– Karen Breashears: National Apprenticeship Training Foundation
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the panel members during a question and answer session at the forum, as Calkins adds, “Interested employers will be able to ask questions directly to the people who will be able to answer them.”
Reserve a seat at the free event at the following link: https://bit.ly/2F5uleq.
Source: Arkansas Department of Workforce Services