Missouri renews focus on apprenticeship, begins National Apprenticeship Week

The state kicked off National Apprenticeship Week with a virtual meeting between state officials Monday. The meeting focused on today's modern apprenticeship models and Missouri’s leadership nationally.

Governor Mike Parson recognized the importance of Registered Apprenticeship Programs with a proclamation to officially set apart the week of Nov. 9-13, 2020, as Registered Apprenticeship Appreciation & Awareness Week, to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. Now in its sixth year, National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration that gives businesses, communities, and educators the opportunity to showcase their apprenticeship programs and apprentices while providing valuable information to career seekers.

“Missouri has become a work-based leader by identifying high-demand jobs and the skills required, convening industry sector partnerships to address skills gaps, often by industry designed apprenticeships, leading to credentials and career pathways,” said Gov. Parson in his proclamation.

Missouri will celebrate the designated week with a virtual Apprenticeship Missouri Summit on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Nearly 230 people are registered to attend the Summit, which will feature presentations from state and national leaders, including a national expert, training provider, workforce champion, and employer.

“We are excited to celebrate this week and look forward to highlighting ways the Office of Apprenticeship & Work-based Learning is setting the tone to once again put Missouri at the top of Registered Apprenticeships nationwide,” said Dr. Mardy Leathers, director of the Office of Workforce Development.