Texas Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week With New ‘ApprenticeshipTexas’ Program

AUSTIN – National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), now in its fifth year, will take place November 11 – 17 and is a nationwide celebration that gives businesses, communities, and educators the opportunity to showcase their apprenticeship programs and apprentices while providing valuable information to career seekers.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation recognizing November 11-15, 2019 as Texas Apprenticeship Week to distinguish the importance of apprenticeship programs and the cutting edge of workforce development in Texas.

During National Apprenticeship Week and Texas Apprenticeship Week, the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) ApprenticeshipTexas introduces employers to how Registered Apprenticeship programs provide training opportunities for businesses, education partners, labor organizations and industry associations to meet the ongoing need for a skilled workforce.

Texas Apprenticeship Week is a celebration offering leaders in business, labor, education and trade industry partners a chance to highlight how apprenticeships prepare workers for the jobs in-demand today and in the future.

The TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas encourages local employers and industry partners to develop new apprenticeship training programs and expand on current Registered Apprenticeship training programs for new occupations and underrepresented populations.

“With unemployment at a historic low, the Texas labor market remains competitive,” said TWC   Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Apprenticeships provide job seekers the advantage of advanced training with employment and a pipeline of talent for Texas businesses.”

During Texas Apprenticeship Week, TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas staff is engaging with Texas employers to help them explore apprenticeship training models and develop apprenticeship training programs that assist business owners with opportunities to teach specific skills so that new employees hired as apprentices can immediately begin to contribute their talents and skills.

Apprentices are empowered to be hands-on from day one, while also earning a paycheck and engaging in the workplace. Upon completion of a Registered Apprenticeship training program, apprentices receive a national recognized certification and have little to no student debt.

“The opportunity to earn while learning skills in high-demand industries is one of the most valuable experiences available to a Texas worker,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Apprenticeships help our workers learn valuable skills and prepare for the future.”

There are more than 454 registered apprenticeship programs across Texas. In FY 2018, more than 238,549 individuals nationwide entered the apprenticeship system.

Nationwide, there are over 585,026 apprentices currently obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning the wages they need to build financial security (Texas has over 17,767 apprentices).

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual wage for a journey worker after completing an apprenticeship is $70,000 a year. More information can be found in the Start an Apprenticeship Program in Texas video.

“Apprenticeship programs provide participating Texas employers with an option and a well-trained talent pipeline that helps as a retention tool,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Work-based learning opportunities are essential for keeping Texas competitive and a great state to do business.”

Employers seeking information on building the core components of a Registered Apprenticeship training program should contact TWC at ApprenticeshipTexas@twc.state.tx.us or visit the ApprenticeshipTexas website.