Every year the U.S. Department of Labor dedicates a week in November to recognize and celebrate apprenticeship programs across the country
Concord, NH – The ApprenticeshipNH Program, an initiative run by Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), is hosting two virtual events during National Apprenticeship Week (November 8-14, 2020) that will highlight apprenticeship initiatives underway throughout the Granite State. The events will take place on Thursday, November 12 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm and on Friday, November 13 from 9:00am to 10:30am.
ApprenticeshipNH is an initiative that seeks to address workforce needs in specific sectors throughout the state by helping employers develop Registered Apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction and on-the-job training in an “earn-while-you-learn” model. With funding from a federal grant, ApprenticeshipNH develops partnerships between NH’s community colleges and local businesses resulting in an apprenticeship that helps employees enhance their skills in a high-demand career.
The program focuses on creating Registered Apprenticeship opportunities within the information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, automotive, biotechnology, and infrastructure/construction sectors. Participants have the opportunity to earn while they learn by receiving classroom instruction and on the job training that can advance their skills to lead to new opportunities and higher pay.
The virtual event being held on Thursday November 12 will announce a new partnership with the NH Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA), who recently signed paperwork to become an industry sponsor for an automotive technician registered apprenticeship program. This brand-new program will be the first of its kind in New Hampshire and will match employer’s current needs for skilled workers with jobseekers looking to begin a career in automotive technology. During the virtual event, program details will be shared as well as a discussion about how NHADA members can participate.
“NHADA has a long history of partnerships with New Hampshire’s community colleges. As a consortium sponsor of registered apprenticeship, we are very pleased and excited to partner with the ApprenticeshipNH initiative and offer this opportunity to our members, as we continue to help build the automotive workforce in NH,” said Jessica W. Dade, NHADA Education Foundation executive director.
The virtual event being held on Friday November 13 will highlight apprenticeship success stories, featuring two Q&A panels with current and past apprentices, as well as employers and community college partners. The event will also include opening remarks from CCSNH Interim Chancellor Susan Huard, as well as information about exciting new initiatives underway to expand apprenticeship opportunities to New Hampshire high schools.
“Since ApprenticeshipNH launched in 2016, the program has worked with 42 New Hampshire businesses across the state and enrolled over 230 individuals in apprenticeship programs,” said Emily Zeien, ApprenticeshipNH grant manager. “Our National Apprenticeship Week events offer unique opportunities for employers, educators, community members, and workforce development professionals to hear about how the program is evolving and strengthening New Hampshire’s workforce.”
Individuals interested in attending either event can register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ccsnh-virtual-apprenticeship-week-celebration-tickets-124571740429. To learn more about ApprenticeshipNH, including apprenticeship and sponsor opportunities, contact apprenticeshipusanh@ccsnh.edu or visit apprenticeshipnh.org.
