The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) has officially unveiled plans for its 3rd Annual Apprenticeship Fair, coinciding with the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which celebrates a decade of engagement, expansion, and innovation in apprenticeship programs across the nation. Scheduled for November 17-23, 2024, this week-long event aims to highlight the accomplishments and importance of Registered Apprenticeships, which are pivotal in fostering a skilled workforce tailored to meet the evolving needs of various industries. By emphasizing the role of these programs in generating prosperous career opportunities, the initiative also champions efforts to advance racial and gender equity in the workforce.
In an impressive show of commitment to workforce development, OWD secured a substantial $3 million Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2022. This grant facilitates the creation and expansion of equitable pre-apprenticeship pathways that pave the way to Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP). These programs have proven effective in invigorating employer participation, broadening the talent pool, and supplying job-ready candidates trained for positions that range from entry-level roles to management. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to meeting industry demands while lowering unemployment rates.
Furthermore, OWD has initiated the Greater Boston Equitable Apprenticeship Pathways (GBEAP) program, powered by the ABA grant, which aims to develop and expand eight pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs throughout Massachusetts over a four-year span. This ambitious program is designed to benefit a total of 484 residents, with a focused commitment to serving individuals from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. The priority populations include BIPOC individuals, women, veterans, returning citizens, and those with limited education or job skills, ensuring a diverse and inclusive approach to workforce development.
The Office of Workforce Development has partnered with notable organizations, including BEST Hospitality, Boston Emergency Medical Services, YouthBuild Boston, and MassBioEd, to reinforce the principles of equity, job quality, and high standards for apprenticeship programs. Each partner institution provides pre-apprenticeships in four critical industries, namely hospitality, healthcare, construction, and life sciences, which lead to high-quality Registered Apprenticeship opportunities with local businesses like UNITED HERE Local 26 Union Hotels, Boston EMS, and MassBioEd. These industries offer promising starting wages that range from $18 to $27 per hour, coupled with pathways for career advancement and potential salary growth.
The Apprenticeship Fair is set to take place on Tuesday, November 19, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 149 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119. Registration for attendance is available here. Attendees can expect to engage with representatives from various industries, including Hospitality, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Construction, and Clean Energy. Eighteen impactful organizations will be present:
- Asian American Civic Association
- Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology
- BEST Hospitality
- Boston EMS
- Boston Resident Jobs Policy Jobs Bank
- Building Pathways
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Center for Working Families
- Division of Apprenticeship Standards
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
- Local 3 New England Laborers
- MassBioEd
- Plumbers and Gasfitters UA Local 12
- Revive Boston
- Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #17
- We Reach
- YMCA
- YouthBuild Boston
To explore more about Boston’s dedication to Registered Apprenticeships and the transformative impact of these unique work-based learning programs within the community, please visit boston.gov/apprenticeships.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Office of Workforce Development (OWD), a vital component of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, is committed to facilitating the full engagement of all Boston residents in the city’s economic landscape. OWD plays a critical role in funding and overseeing programs designed to enhance workforce development through various initiatives such as education, job training, apprenticeships, financial coaching, and literacy services.
How does the Apprenticeship Building America grant enhance workforce development initiatives in underrepresented communities?
**Interview with Maria Thompson, Director of the Office of Workforce Development**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. The Office of Workforce Development has exciting plans for the upcoming 3rd Annual Apprenticeship Fair. Can you tell us more about what attendees can expect at this year’s event?
**Maria Thompson:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to host the Apprenticeship Fair from November 17-23, 2024, as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Attendees can expect numerous exhibitors from various industries showcasing their apprenticeship opportunities. We’ve designed the fair to not only highlight what Registered Apprenticeships are available but also to celebrate the economic and social impact they have in our communities.
**Editor:** It sounds like a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their careers. Could you explain the significance of the $3 million Apprenticeship Building America grant that you received?
**Maria Thompson:** Certainly! The grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is instrumental in creating equitable pathways for pre-apprenticeships, which are vital for ushering individuals into Registered Apprenticeship Programs. This funding strengthens our ability to engage more employers, expand our talent pool, and ultimately produce job-ready candidates who can meet the needs of our evolving workforce.
**Editor:** The Greater Boston Equitable Apprenticeship Pathways program sounds promising. How is it structured to benefit underrepresented communities?
**Maria Thompson:** The GBEAP program aims to serve a diverse group of 484 residents over four years, prioritizing BIPOC individuals, women, veterans, and those facing barriers to employment. We are developing eight pre-apprenticeship programs in collaboration with various partners in critical industries like healthcare and construction. By focusing on these groups, we strive to create an inclusive workforce that reflects our community.
**Editor:** You mentioned partnerships with organizations like BEST Hospitality and YouthBuild Boston. How important are these collaborations for the success of the apprenticeship programs?
**Maria Thompson:** These partnerships are vital! They allow us to leverage local expertise and resources to enhance the quality and accessibility of apprenticeship programs. By working together, we ensure that our initiatives align with industry standards and meet the needs of participants, providing them with real pathways to successful careers.
**Editor:** what do you hope attendees take away from the Apprenticeship Fair?
**Maria Thompson:** I hope everyone leaves feeling empowered and informed about the wealth of apprenticeship opportunities available to them. We want to encourage individuals to consider apprenticeships as legitimate, high-quality career paths. They can provide substantial starting wages and career advancement opportunities, particularly in industries that are foundational to our economy.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing these insights. We look forward to the upcoming Apprenticeship Fair and the positive impact it will have on the community!
**Maria Thompson:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited to make this event a success.
