When we talk about developing a strong workforce for our 21st century economy, the discussion most frequently centers on making sure our universities and colleges are churning out enough graduates in the right fields.
But as I talk with industry leaders and higher education advocates, I’ve found that an equally important piece of the discussion is missing. What’s been lost in the mix is a tried and true method of training that dates back as far as the Middle Ages – apprenticeships.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industry defines an apprenticeship as “a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction under the supervision of a journey-level craft person or trade professional in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation.”
And with more than 400 categories of apprenticeship programs available, we’re not talking about your grandfather’s apprenticeships anymore. With more employers looking to fill special niches in their companies, apprenticeships are a way to train all kinds of workers, from traditional construction and trades workers to the new and high tech such as sign language interpreters or graphic arts technicians.
Apprenticeships, though one of the oldest and most basic work training ideas, remains the ultimate training trifecta, benefiting the employer, employee and schools.
Many employers face a gap in the kinds of workers they need and the kinds of workers they can find. With a statewide unemployment rate of 5 percent, it’s getting even tougher to find skilled workers. But apprenticeships offer employers a way to fill that gap for relatively low cost.
Employees also benefit from apprenticeships. We know that in today’s economy, a high school diploma simply isn’t enough. Rapidly rising tuition and living costs put college out of reach for many families. Apprenticeships offer students an affordable solution to quality job training and a well-paid professional career path.
Keep in mind that an apprentice will start out with very little training so if you need someone with sharp skills right off the bat, an apprenticeship program isn’t for you. But for business owners who anticipate future growth in a particular area of their company and want to start recruiting people now, apprenticeships can be an ideal option. You can attract a high number of potential workers, train them for less, and find yourself with a motivated, loyal employee who fits your needs precisely.
The best thing about apprenticeships is that absolutely any company can begin their own program. Regional coordinators from L&I will work with any employer interested in beginning a program. Go online for more details: www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships might be an old idea, but I think it’s one whose time has come once again. With all the chatter about planning and delivering a 21st century education, let’s not forget about the power of basic, old-fashioned, on-the-job-training.
State Representative Deb Wallace (D-Vancouver) is chair of the House Higher Education Committee and serves as co-chair of the Workforce Development Committee for the Pacific Northwest Economic Regional Council.
