Board Proclaims Apprenticeship Week in Weld County

Published on November 10, 2020

The Board of Commissioners has proclaimed November 8-14, 2020, as Apprenticeship Week in Weld County.

“Apprenticeship is a proven strategy to build a skilled workforce and strengthen our economy,” said Department of Human Services Deputy Director Tami Grant. “That’s why leadership from Employment Services’ Business Services Unit and Employment & Training Programs has been working closely with two statewide registered apprenticeship consultants to develop registered apprenticeships in Weld County. In fact, we’re participating in a statewide collaborative to enroll 800 new registered apprenticeship participants through March 31, 2022.”

To help achieve that benchmark, Employment Services of Weld County is actively working with the Colorado Tree Care Sector Partnership and the Colorado Restaurant Association ProStart Program. In addition, the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps program, is in the process of becoming a pre-apprenticeship program, which will allow for a seamless transition into current arborist registered apprenticeships. Recently, a meeting took place with schools in the region, including Northridge High School, regarding the support that Employment Services can provide to their ProStart Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Skilled tradesmen will always be needed in Weld County,” said Commissioner and Workforce Development Board member Scott James. “Apprenticeships are such an important part of training those tradesmen, and I look forward to seeing the continued great work of our Employment Services team in helping prepare our future workforce for rewarding careers.”

The apprenticeship system started 75 years ago in construction and other skilled trades; today, there are apprenticeships in over 1,000 occupations, including careers in healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, energy and transportation/logistics. Apprenticeships provide demand-driven education, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn – helping to close the gap between the skills job creators seek and the skills job seekers need. 

Learn more about Employment Services of Weld County and view upcoming events at www.eswc.org. Employers can call (970) 400-6714 to discuss how apprenticeships can benefit their organization.