Many careers are experiencing high growth and require skilled workers who can fill the opportunities. As a result, there is a resurgence of the companies relying on apprentices, the “learn while you earn” model of acquiring skills.

The week of November 14–18, 2016, recognizes the second annual National Apprenticeship Week, which highlights the importance and benefits of the Registered Apprenticeship program. Leading up to this year’s second annual recognition week, Workforce Solutions conducted a survey of local companies currently participating in the Registered Apprenticeship program to gauge the program’s success in Houston, Galveston and the surrounding area.

An overview of the survey is below for you to learn more about how the Registered Apprenticeship program could be helpful for your company.

for recommending apprenticeships:

• 81% state it aids their training and retention strategy
• 56% use the program to identify diverse candidates
• 31% view it as a low-cost, effective recruiting tool

"Apprenticeships are a great way to develop a pipeline of talented, high-skilled workers to help businesses grow. When you invest in the training of your employees, they will be more committed to the success of your business. This will help to lessen turnover, decrease recruitment costs and increase productivity.” – John Juzswik, President Building Specialties, Inc.

surveyed said that their participation in the apprenticeship program allowed them to:

• DEVELOP a training program that is useful and easy to understand
• DEFINE a clear path of advancement through skills acquisition
• CREATE additional positions to meet skills level
• DEMONSTRATE possible internal career opportunities as benefits to participating in apprenticeship programs

"The Igloo Apprentice Program is one of the important mechanisms we employ to enable our Associates to learn new skills, acquire enhanced capabilities and position themselves for new career opportunities." – Igloo Product Corporation’s Statement of Commitment to the Apprenticeship Program

Companies who would recommend the apprenticeship program.

“The old time skills of electrical workers simply are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern day technology in accomplishing the work,” – Eddie Rodriquez, IEC Apprentice School Texas Gulf Coast Chapter

The average time an apprentice turned employee stays at a company

“This program gave me the opportunity to make a living and eliminate any doubts I had about how I was going to pay my tuition. It was a win/win situation for me.” – John Soileau, Apprentice