Illinois Central College wrapped-up National Apprenticeship Week today with a message from CEOs. Zach Boren is with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. He says there were more than 250 apprenticeship week events nationwide.
Boren says the week’s slate of events provided the education, union and nonunion sectors the opportunity to express their support of apprenticeships, and the importance of them.
Federal statistics show more than 60 percent of employers have challenges filling skilled worker vacancies. Boren says the registered apprenticeship is a proven model that delivers results for workers and the nation.
ICC Interim President William Tammone says it was a great week for raising awareness about the value of apprenticeships specifically for women and minorities. Currently women and minorities occupy 7 percent of those positions in the country.
Tammone says the apprenticeship model is important to attracting and maintaining a regional employment base.