In this Talking Benefits podcast episode, we took a deeper dive into new trends in apprenticeship. Even if you don’t work with apprenticeship programs, there are some great lessons to be gleaned from their operation so we decided to put together an “Apprenticeship 101” episode to familiarize our listeners.
Mentors can be found in virtually every profession, and mentor/mentee relationships can be formed during any stage of a career. However, more formalized mentor relationships are often found in apprenticeship programs. Skilled trades are typically the most apprenticeable occupations since they require extensive on-the-job training.
Some people think that having to “pay your dues,” perhaps by enduring a certain amount of hazing, harassment or unprofessional behavior from co-workers is a necessary part of learning a new job. That’s an outdated attitude that won’t—and shouldn’t—fly with many workers, particularly those in younger generations, says Michael Hawes, executive director of the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute (PNCI) in Portland, Oregon. PCNI has created a two-hour course called Positive Jobsite Culture (PJC) that is working to change mindsets. The course and PNCI’s efforts are highlighted in an article in the October issue of Benefits Magazine.
Apprenticeships play an essential role in the development of a highly trained workforce. Today, apprenticeship programs face new challenges while building on their successes, according to recent survey results from the International Foundation.
A bill to promote registered apprenticeships, including registered apprenticeships within in-demand industry sectors, through the support of workforce intermediaries, and for other purposes. Introduced: Tuesday Feb 23, 2021
To codify the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs of the Department of Labor.Introduced: Thursday Feb 18, 2021
To expand opportunities for pre-apprenticeships programs. Introduced: Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
To direct the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible applicants to provide stipends to individuals enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program, and for other purposes. Introduced: Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
To ensure access to apprenticeships for underrepresented groups, eliminate barriers and ensure completion of apprenticeships, and invest in successful apprenticeship intermediaries. Introduced: Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
To direct the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with industry intermediaries for purposes of promoting the development of and access to apprenticeships in the technology sector, and for other purposes. Introduced: Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
To promote diversity in the national apprenticeship system. Introduced: Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
To promote registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs for small and medium-sized businesses within in-demand industry sectors, through the establishment and support of industry or sector partnerships. Introduced: Monday Feb 01, 2021
To promote registered apprenticeships, including registered apprenticeships within in-demand industry sectors, through the support of workforce intermediaries, and for other purposes. Introduced: Thursday Jan 28, 2021
To direct the Secretary of Labor to support the development of pre-apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades that serve underrepresented populations, including individuals from low income and rural census tracts. Introduced: Thursday Jan 28, 2021
To amend the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the "National Apprenticeship Act") and expand the national apprenticeship system to include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship registered under such Act, to promote the furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices, and for other purposes. Introduced: Monday Jan 25, 2021
United States
Awareness surrounding traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has grown over the last decade. Dr. John S. Gaal, a longtime construction educator, and Cal Beyer, a management consultant in the construction risk/insurance industry, explain that construction workers are among the employees at higher risk for these conditions and, therefore, employee benefit funds, apprenticeship funds and employers should be aware of the risks and implications. Gaal and Beyer interviewed a panel of experts on TBIs and CTE, and their responses are reflected in this article.
Training Director, Michael Hawes, of the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute (PNCI) addresses jobsite culture. A diverse working group was formed to start mapping out a training program. Over 14 months, the group met on a regular basis to develop the two-hour course called Positive Jobsite Culture (PJC).
Pairing apprentices with experienced journeyworkers in a mentoring relationship is often critical to the success of an apprenticeship program.
Cybersecurity and privacy threats are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated. With the advent of online instruction, joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) may face increased risks.
COVID-19 forced apprenticeship funds to adapt training methods to meet their members' educational needs while classrooms were closed. The authors discuss strategies for establishing online instruction and how virtual instruction may be used after the pandemic.
This new report provides an up-to-date analysis of U.S and Canadian apprenticeship programs including the challenges faced by programs and apprentices, recruitment and retention initiatives, life skills training opportunities, program communication strategies, mental health initiatives and more.
Working in construction was the last thing on Kandice Rogers' mind when she graduated from college in 2008. "That was something that I thought I could do or even thought was possible for women", she recalled.
By offering hands-on, practical learning opportunities, the apprenticeship model inherently accommodates individuals who learn differently. However, registered apprenticeship program sponsors cannot rely on happenstance inclusion, as new regulations require them to revisit the processes for recruiting and selecting people with disabilities.
Research suggests that apprenticeship programs can better prepare apprentices for work by using a curriculum development model that focuses on teaching necessary skills, properly sequencing training and performance. The authors say benefits include individualized training and a system that evaluates behaviors and skills based on actual work environments.
Failing to properly evaluate apprenticeship program expenses such as the purchase of real estate can cause programs to run afoul of Department of Labor and ERISA regulations.
"Using social media for your apprenticeship program is all about talking to your target audiences - and people who are new to a program are the absolute best people to be talking to," says Joann M. Pineda, chief executive offcier and chief troublemaker for Matrix Group International, Inc., in Arlington, Virginia.
A successful digital communications strategy can help employee benefit funds achieve organizational goals. The author offers tips for improving websites and communicating through social media and mobile apps. By Jillian Otten.
The author profiles three efforts to build a pipeline from high schools to registered apprenticeship training programs and, eventually, careers in the trades. By by John S. Gaal, Ed.D.
Already struggling to replace retiring tradespeople, apprenticeship programs expect recruiting and retaining apprentices to continue to be a challenge. However, these programs are engaged in a variety of key recruitment and retention initiatives and predict a positive hiring outlook in their industry in the next two years, according to a recent International Foundation survey. By Justin Held, CEBS
As providers of benefits and training to apprentices, joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) and joint apprenticeship training funds (JATFs) have specific insurance needs that should be reviewed. By Laverne Wingfield and Tina Fletcher.
This report outlines key takeaways and recommendations for program design, program effectiveness, student-parent engagement and communications, financing, and equity and access. By Kate Blosveren Kreamer, Advance CTE, and Andrea Zimmermann, Advance CTE.
Administering an apprenticeship fund can be complex, requiring funds to follow not only good educational administration practices but also good business practices. This article is excerpted from a chapter in the soon-to-be-released International Foundation Trustee Handbook: A Guide to Labor-Management Employee Benefit Plans, Eighth Edition. By Andrew E. Staab
Grants can be an important source of funding for registered apprenticeship programs. This article provides tips for applying for and managing grants and offers insight into the future of some federal grant programs. By Kent Hornberger.
Canada
A new report by Job Talks and Q.I. Value Systems Inc. contends that behavioural causes are a major contributor to the gap between the demand for skilled construction labour and its supply of young workers. A behavioural economics (BE) approach can improve the understanding of many of these recruitment issues, and help reinforce opportunities to attract new entrants to skilled construction work.
As the demand grows for skilled labour throughout the GTA, this report provides a better understanding of issues facing workers in the residential and infrastructurerelated trades and recommends ways of retaining them. More than 400 construction industry workers across 10 categories participated in the study.
Apprenticeships, a proven path to middle- and high-skilled careers, should be built on the skills employers need and use effective mentoring, according to Nicholas Wyman.
Apprenticeship completion rates continue to lag behind increases in construction employment and apprenticeship registrations. An Ontario Construction Secretariat study of apprenticeship in Ontario’s construction industry explored the role of joint union-employer partnerships in apprenticeship training and their impact on apprenticeship outcomes.
The number of registered apprentices in Canada more than doubled between 1995 and 2007, yet successful completion of apprenticeship programs increased by only one-third as much. Uncovering the factors related to low completion rates is a necessary first step to ensuring that today's skilled labour is replaced in the future. This study utilizes the 2007 National Apprenticeship Survey (NAS) to investigate the completion behaviour of individuals enrolled in apprenticeship programs.
Case Studies
It's not uncommon for a fifth-year apprentice, now earning close to journeyman wages, to show up for work in a brand-new pickup truck. But apprentices often don't realize they may not be employed for the full year and that making monthly truck payments could become tough. By Chris Vogel, CEBS.