Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Declaring
The New York State Department of Labor today announced that Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed this week (May 5-11) to be the inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Week in New York State, in line with the federal Youth Apprenticeship Week and events taking place across the nation to highlight pathways for youth into Registered Apprenticeship. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to enhancing work-based learning opportunities for youth, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings alongside professionals.
“Today, the opportunity of using the time-honored earn-while-you-learn Registered Apprenticeship model is growing in popularity both with those looking to comprehensively learn an occupation and with businesses who find this approach successful to train and retain their own workers,” Governor Hochul said. “There is significant interest in expanding this model as an opportunity for youth while they are in high school, and we are proud to partner with businesses and education leaders to grow awareness and expand this opportunity.”
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) oversees Registered Apprenticeship programs, in partnership with the State Education Department, which approves the Related Instruction portion of the program. Registered Apprenticeship is regulated by rules at both the state and federal level and includes a nationally recognized and portable credential upon completion.
Beginning as part of the inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Week, NYSDOL will aim to:
- Increase awareness about Registered Apprenticeship and the spectrum of career exploration and training models that lead to and include Apprenticeship.
- Show how youth as young as 16 can take part, including in taking part in career exploration and pre-apprenticeship programs that prepare them for Registered Apprenticeships.
- Offer businesses a direct pathway to learn more about starting or expanding a Registered Apprenticeship program.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “As youth begin exploring their occupational interests, it is important that they consider all possible career pathways. Registered Apprenticeships continue to help young New Yorkers into great occupations while businesses secure a workforce catered to its needs. It is my hope that more employers will consider launching Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships programs to provide the inheritors of our economy with the skills they need to succeed.”
NYSDOL today unveiled a new resource outlining for the first time a comprehensive look at the spectrum of training opportunities that build into these highly sought after programs, including pre-apprenticeship programs, which help individual build skills needed to be successful in both Registered Apprenticeship programs and informal apprenticeships, which do not come with portable credentials and are not consistent across programs.
Registered Apprenticeship programs bring with them numerous benefits. Apprentices learn from experts in their field, find a structured, proven, and intentional way of learning their occupation, get support from mentors along the way and complete their programs with a nationally certified credential. For businesses, advantages include having a pipeline of skilled workers trained in their specific processes along with increased retention and attendance and workers who are more connected to their business.
The Registered Apprenticeship program in New York State, traditionally a gold standard in building and construction trades and the core of how labor unions train workers through joint labor management training programs, is expanding into additional high-demand fields like IT, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Over $6.5 million has been awarded by NYSDOL to support this expansion, with an additional $3 million committed this year to further increase apprenticeships in high-demand occupations. The Department is also providing $2 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs that help underrepresented groups gain entry into these apprenticeships.
The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) are involved in growing these programs. SUNY offers funding and incentives to support apprentices and employers, while CUNY has integrated pre-apprenticeships into degree programs at 10 colleges. Additional efforts include tax credits for employers, a social media campaign, educational videos, and a state apprenticeship summit scheduled for November 2024 to raise awareness and participation in these programs.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “We thank Governor Hochul for her support of pre- and registered apprenticeships and the designation of Youth Apprenticeship Week to engage future generations in high quality apprenticeship opportunities that can lead to a successful career. SUNY is proud to offer thousands of apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand industries in partnership with employers across the state, providing important benefits for students and employers alike. Students can gain hands-on skills, training, and mentorship, while employers benefit from training apprentices on-the-job while maintaining productivity and retaining a highly skilled workforce.”
“We applaud and thank Governor Hochul for spotlighting the value of paid work experience through Youth Apprenticeship Week, and also for supporting the expansion of these opportunities to high school students, which will expose them to more possibilities and increase their chances for career success,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “At CUNY, we have seen time and again how valuable apprenticeships are for our students, and we are proud to help prepare the next generation of talent to lead New York’s workforce.”
State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Apprenticeships provide invaluable hands-on experience and connect students, schools, and employers, ensuring our young people are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and achieve their goals. Working with Governor Hochul and our partner agencies, we are excited to collaborate to expand apprenticeship opportunities for all students across the state.”
NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal said, “We applaud Governor Hochul for recognizing the power of the apprenticeship model by designating May 5-11th as the inaugural youth apprenticeship week in New York State. Apprenticeships have proven to be one of the most effective ways to build onramps to economic mobility and prosperity for our youth through career connected learning and paid on the job training, which allows employers to tap the talent they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy."
Any business interested in learning more about registered apprenticeship should complete the form on the Department’s new portal.
For individuals interested in learning more about apprenticeship and opportunities in various occupations, visit: https://dol.ny.gov/
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