Monday, November 18, 2024 / Categories: Department News Workforce Solutions celebrates National Apprenticeship Week Explore events, resources, and career opportunities in skilled trades To mark the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) and the State Apprenticeship Office are joining forces to host a series of events and initiatives designed to highlight the value of apprenticeships and drive the growth of a skilled workforce across New Mexico.Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a proclamation recognizing November 17-23, 2024, as National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), celebrating apprenticeships as a proven, industry-driven training model that plays a critical role in developing a skilled workforce and strengthening New Mexico’s talent pipeline.“Governor Lujan Grisham and the Legislature have enabled tremendous progress in expanding apprenticeship opportunities over the past two years,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “The Workforce Training and Apprenticeship Fund led the nation by creating a long-term strategy to ensure continued state funding for registered apprenticeship programs. Through partnerships with the construction and clean energy industries, we’re not only creating pathways to high-quality, sustainable careers, but also launching new apprenticeship programs to support young people and underrepresented populations to enter those fields.”The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2024, “Celebrating 10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation," highlights the transformative impact of Registered Apprenticeships in addressing critical workforce needs. Over the past decade, these programs have brought together key stakeholders at the national, regional, state, and local levels to help build a highly skilled workforce."Investing in apprenticeships is not just an investment in skills, but a powerful pathway out of poverty,” said UA Local 412 Director of Outreach & Engagement Joan Baker. “By providing individuals with hands-on training and valuable industry connections, we empower them to build successful careers and contribute to thriving communities. National Apprenticeship Week celebrates and brings awareness to the importance of this. Proudly, New Mexico is making these investments.”Since NAW’s launch in 2014, apprenticeships have become increasingly recognized as essential for modernizing infrastructure, advancing clean energy technologies, strengthening cybersecurity, and building a stronger care economy—while also providing vital pathways for job seekers to launch sustainable careers. In addition to a plethora of traditional trade apprenticeships, New Mexico is home to several innovative apprenticeships, including Hobbs’ Municipal Schools’ teacher apprenticeships, CNM’s Information Technology Apprenticeship Program, and Katharsis Media’s apprenticeships in a range of film-related disciplines.National Apprenticeship Week honors leaders from business, labor, education and trade industries, showcasing how apprenticeships equip workers with the skills needed for in-demand jobs today and in the future. NMDWS can assist local employers and industry partners to develop new apprenticeship training programs and expand on current Registered Apprenticeship training programs for new occupations. Employers interested in learning more are invited to attend a free, one-hour virtual information session during NAW. More information available at https://www.dws.state.nm.us/NAW2024. There are more than 58 registered apprenticeship programs across New Mexico with 2,585 apprentices participating in obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning wages for financial security. Earlier this year, DWS announced a $5.9 million, three-year federal award under the State Apprenticeship Expansion competitive grant, which will go towards the Building, Energizing and Connecting Communities through Apprenticeship Program.According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average starting wage after completing a Registered Apprenticeship Program is $80,000 a year and 94% of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program. More information on apprenticeship opportunities, including pre-apprenticeship, is available on the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions website https://www.dws.state.nm.us/apprenticeship. ### National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) was established by the U.S. Department of Labor to showcase and promote high-quality, inclusive, in-demand career pathway opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship. NAW is a nationwide celebration where employers, apprentices and graduates, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and Local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity.The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) oversees the New Mexico public workforce system. The department is committed to supporting the business community through special recruitment, analyzing hard to fill jobs, layoffs, job fairs, and skills assessments for hiring; and assisting New Mexicans seeking employment opportunities with job search, job referrals and placement, and customized skill development such as interviewing skills and resume writing. The department administers programs to include business services; workforce training; Unemployment Insurance; labor law enforcement; veterans’ services; and labor market information. Previous Article Chaves County Eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from Severe Storm and Flooding Next Article New Mexico's Unemployment Rate was 4.3% in October 2024