U.S. Department of Labor Turns to Apprenticeships Amid Worker Shortage

Though many people may associate the term “apprenticeship” as a method of the past the U.S. Department of Labor believes that they can be the solution to the mass shortage of skilled trade workers and could also help to bring Americans back to work. In data collected by the federal government the most in demand jobs for 2020 include electricians, carpenters and construction craft laborers due to the pandemic era boom in home improvement investment.

“Carpentry, electrician, plumbing -- that is what historically apprenticeship has been, but we are going to be looking at emerging industry, we are going to be looking at healthcare, technology and other areas that can really open up doors to people to get good, strong careers,” he said. The DOL says 94% of “apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program retain employment, with an average annual salary of $70,000. Peter Ricci, FAU Hospitality & Tourism Management Program Director, told Vazquez that many workers used the time they were out of a job to reevaluate their priorities. He has dubbed it a sort of “awakening,” with some service workers in hospitality and retail deciding to leave those industries all together in pursuit of better paying jobs or career paths that allow for remote work, flexible hours, and/or better benefits to include paid sick leave.”

The U.S. Department of Labor hopes that this new apprenticeship driven initiative will help to meet pandemic market by allowing workers who may be looking for a change the chance to change industries. It also gives companies the chance to upskill their workforce as well as feed new and expanding industries where apprenticeships can be the most beneficial such as IT, cybersecurity, and manufacturing.

Read full article here: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/10/01/dol-apprenticeships-could-solve-labor-shortage-with-pathway-to-high-skilled-trades-jobs/