Workforce Solutions Of Central Texas Becomes Officially Registered DOL Apprenticeship Program

AUSTIN- The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) statewide workforce solutions Boards continue to engage with Texas employers to help them explore apprenticeship-training models and develop apprenticeship-training programs, which assist business owners with opportunities to teach specific skills so that new employees are potentially hired as apprentices.

On December 5, in Grapevine, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas became the State’s most recent Registered Apprenticeship program when Board representatives signed their U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship standards during the TWC Annual Conference and breakout panel discussion: “What’s New in Apprenticeship?”

“Businesses need to ensure they are innovative in their hiring practices with unemployment at historic low and a competitive Texas labor market,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Apprenticeships provide job seekers the advantage of advanced training with employment and a pipeline of talent for Texas businesses. It’s a win-win for employers, their businesses and job seekers.”

Central Texas joins more than 454 registered apprenticeship programs across Texas who have chosen to train their skilled workforce using the apprenticeship model.

Registered Apprenticeship (RA) is an important solution toward strengthening our state’s skilled workforce. Through RAs, residents can acquire valuable skills in a variety of in-demand occupations across key economic sectors, including skilled trades and advanced manufacturing, and employers can fill open positions with local talent who possess the required skills.

“We need to continue to think outside the box when it comes to low unemployment. 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.”

Registered Apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of journey level craftperson or trade professional.

Apprenticeship is an effective solution in any occupation that involves progressive attainment of manual, mechanical or technical skills, and knowledge which meets industry standard for that occupation.

By training apprentices, businesses can create an employee pool that will contribute to the bottom line and meet future workforce needs. Apprenticeship training is a key investment in a company’s future.

Key benefits include:

• helps recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce
• improves productivity and return on investment
• reduces turnover costs and increases employee retention
• creates industry-driven and flexible training solutions to meet national and local needs

Registered Apprenticeships enable job seekers to start working and earn a wage while they learn key skills and gain qualifications to meet industry standards.

Other specific benefits include:

• A paycheck from their first day of work, guaranteed to increase over time as they learn new skills
• Hands-on career training in a wide variety of occupations and industries, such as health care, construction, information technology, transportation, energy, and advanced manufacturing
• An education and the potential to earn college credit toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• A career, once the apprenticeship is complete, with a competitive salary and little or no educational debt
• National industry certification upon graduation, recognized and accepted by industry partners across the United States

“Congratulations to Workforce Solutions of Central Texas for their commitment to providing 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.