Blog Archives
Empowering Futures: Youth Apprenticeships Reimagined
How can we enhance the success of youth apprenticeships and attract students from diverse demographics and backgrounds? Read More →
New apprenticeship program will train 1,500 healthcare workers in Missouri
A new program through the Missouri Chamber Foundation will help meet the growing demand for health care workers by training up to 1,500 apprentices across the state. The Missouri Chamber Foundation has launched the Industry-Driven Healthcare Apprenticeship Program thanks to a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant and $1.35 million federal appropriation. “This program will help create good-paying jobs and bolster apprenticeship training systems across the state,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “We are excited to partner with some of Missouri’s leading health systems to expand access to quality health care for all Missourians.” Health care systems participating in the program include BJC HealthCare, CoxHealth, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, Mercy and University Health. “We’ve seen a lot of challenges coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Todd Ahrens, president and CEO of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System. “Anything we can do…
St. Joseph – A community that comes together for youth
Guest Author, Clara Liles, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Hillyard Technical Center The Northwest Missouri Regional Youth Apprenticeship program is the epitome of how true collaboration within a community can enhance education as well as reap rewards for the local economy. The program initiated out of the Workforce Alliance efforts between the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and the St. Joseph School District. The data collected from Chamber studies showed high need areas and those were targeted for program occupations. The related technical instruction happens at Hillyard Technical Center and the on-the-job training takes place at our 36 industry partners. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Institute for Workplace Skills & Innovation, Department of Labor and the Missouri Apprenticeship Team have all helped the program to grow and expand since its’ inception. St. Joseph has been recognized as one of the best places to work in manufacturing. In a school district with 69%…
Apprenticeships in sewing bring a unique career pathway
Guest Author, Linnca Stevens, Operations Manager / Co Founder, The Sewing Labs The Sewing Labs Robert Lackie instructs apprentices on fabric layout. I recently read a book titled “Shop Class as Soulcraft: An inquiry into the Value of Work” byMatthew Crawford. This book explores the differences between office work and manual workand argues that blue- collar professions are worth pursuing as a career path. (which we alreadyknow) Matthew is a motorcycle mechanic by choice and his wise and often humorousphilosophy really made me ponder and appreciate that I have chosen sewing as a hand-drivenoccupation to sustain me. He questions why manual work “has suffered such a devaluation asa component of education.” And how “the potential for human flourishing in the manual trades”… gives us rich cognitive challenges and psychic nourishment.”As I connect with employers and supporters of the field of Industrial Sewing, I share that sewingis an automation proof industry…