Tuesday, November 19, 2024 03:01 PM

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Workforce Development, Apprenticeships, and National Service

It’s National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23, 2024)! Hosted by the US Department of Labor and ApprenticeshipUSA, this weeklong celebration showcases the value of Registered Apprenticeships in developing a highly skilled workforce that meets industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs and strengthening the economy.

Many national service programs offer workforce development opportunities as a part of service, like the newly launched Youth Mental Health Corps, and in many respects, state service commissions are leading the charge. Below are some examples of commission supported, state-based workforce development initiatives.

California Volunteers

  • Corps to Career, an initiative of California Volunteers and the Office of the Governor, supports California Volunteers Service Program Alumni with accessing careers with upward mobility.

Serve Colorado

Serve Kentucky

  • Family Scholar House administers FSH Health Corps, an AmeriCorps program with over 200 members, as well as a healthcare-focused registered apprenticeship program. FSH Health Corps members have the option to participate in the apprenticeship program during their term of service. Approximately 40% of members complete their term of service with a job in the healthcare industry already secured.

New Jersey Commission on National and Community Service

PennSERVE

  • PowerCorpsPHL engages out-of-school or out-of-work 18–30-year-olds in an immersive, paid 4-to-24-month program that results in connecting to living wage jobs in green energy infrastructure and community-based careers. Members engage in crew-based services, supporting community green spaces, water systems, and urban farmers in Philadelphia.
  • The AmeriCorps Digital Service Fellows pre-apprenticeship program provides recent high school graduates the opportunity to serve in the Philadelphia school district for a full year under the direct mentoring of a digital literacy teacher. AmeriCorps members learn the ins and outs of digital literacy skills and technology support and gain on-the-job training toward information technology industry certifications. Members can apply for a registered apprenticeship program upon completion of their term of service.

Serve Virginia

Interested in developing apprenticeship opportunities in your state or territory? Consider joining the National Governors Association’s new service-to-career pathways policy academy and community of practice. Selected states and territories will receive a grant of up to $50,000 and 12 months of technical assistance. Apply by November 22.