National Apprenticeship Week is less than two weeks away and we’re ready to celebrate North Carolina’s commitment to advancing apprenticeship programs across the state. Over the last five years, the number of apprentices nationwide has jumped drastically, with more than 165,000 additional individuals enrolled into apprenticeship programs since 2013. Now, there are more than 545,000 apprentices across the country, many of whom call North Carolina home.

To showcase the breadth of support for apprenticeships in North Carolina, we would like to highlight our member companies’ leading apprenticeship programs during National Apprenticeship Week. From November 13 -19, we would like to profile your apprenticeship program and share it with our members and stakeholders in education. In order for us to craft your profile, please answer the following questions and send your responses to Cassi Zumbiel, the NC Chamber Foundation’s policy development manager, by Monday, November 6.

What does your company do?

Why did your company start its apprenticeship program?

Has the program helped alleviate your workforce challenges? If available, any data points on growth of the program would be helpful.

Is your apprenticeship program for youth, military or incumbent workers? What do apprentices gain from the program? Your organization?

How do you coordinate with education systems to attract, recruit and retain apprentices?

Why is alignment between education systems and your apprenticeship program important to its success?

Apprenticeships are an integral component to closing the skills gap and filling our talent pipeline. As we work to make North Carolina the number one producer of world-class talent in the modern global economy, it is imperative that we continue to promote apprenticeship programs and their many benefits. This #WorkReadyWednesday, we would love to hear from you, so we may highlight your efforts to cultivate talent. We look forward to reviewing your responses and celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with your stories.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber