Forward Observer: Want to hire Veterans? Consider Registered Apprenticeships
Are you a business interested in attracting and recruiting servicemembers separating from active duty (veterans)? They are motivated men and women who can help to ensure your success and profitability. However, although often highly skilled, they are not generally credentialed or running around with some unnecessary degree that will bring them to your attention.
The Department of Defense has recognized this deficiency and implemented DoD SkillBridge. It may be worth checking out. But there is another and less restrictive way more suited to your needs to do the same. Consider developing a Registered Apprenticeship Program to overcome the skills barrier.
Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, structured method of entry into the modern workplace. It forcefully addresses the need for “gold collar” employees and how to obtain them — something which was first written about over twenty years ago.
The Registered Apprenticeship model requires both on-the-job work experiences and related training instruction. Ultimately, it leads to national credentialing up to the journeyman level in a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeable Occupation of which there are over 1,1200. The occupations are found in a wide range of industries, such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and, even, finance.
Importantly, this apprenticeship program can be supported by Department of Labor and Industry special grants and assistance — spreading the cost to you. Positions can be included on the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley Eligible Training Provider List which allows employers to gain access to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding such as On-the-Job Training (OJT) reimbursements.
As it is a particular area of interest to the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, to learn more or register an apprenticeship today, contact Matt Powell at email: mattp@lehighvalleychamber.org or tel: 610-810-6412. For additional information and alternative contacts, click here.
###
RJH
As of 30 September 2020