Christie Administration Participates in First National Apprenticeship Week

PISCATAWAY, NJ– The Christie Administration joined other states across the nation this week to celebrate the first-ever National Apprenticeship Week bringing together employers, educators, apprentices, public sector workforce professionals, students and others to raise awareness, expand opportunities and recognize the value of registered apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships complement New Jersey’s highly educated and highly skilled workforce and offer great opportunities for employers and job-seekers,” said Commissioner Harold J. Wirths of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “Employers can train workers with the specific skills their businesses need to expand and improve productivity while job-seekers have an opportunity to learn an industry through classroom instruction and hands-on work experience. It’s a win for all involved.”

The New Jersey Health Care Talent Network (HCTN) hosted events throughout the week from Monday, November 2, 2015 through Friday, November 6, 2015, which featured a panel discussion on the HCTN community health worker apprenticeship program. Additionally, Patricia Moran, executive director of the state Labor Department’s Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity division, presented a proclamation from Governor Chris Christie recognizing Registered Apprenticeship Week in the Garden State.

“Apprenticeships are proven paths for workers’ entry into the middle class and an effective strategy for businesses to train for the skills they need,” said Dr. James Hayton, dean of Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations. “For decades, the skilled trades have led the way in developing and refining apprenticeships in America. Today, in addition to using their expertise to apply this unique ‘learn and earn’ model to modern methods and skills, new apprenticeships are emerging to prepare workers with the skills needed to thrive in today’s global economy.”

Apprenticeship is an “earn and learn” training model that combines work-based learning with related classroom instruction. Employers that offer apprenticeship programs can diversify their workforce, improve profitability, standardize training, reduce turnover, receive tax credits and more. Over the past three-quarters of a century, the apprenticeship system has transitioned from exclusively the construction and skilled trades to more than 1,000 occupations, including careers in healthcare, IT, energy and more.

National Apprenticeship Week helps to educate businesses and leaders about the importance of apprenticeship programs. These programs can lead to great jobs that also help positively impact our economy.

For more information about apprenticeship programs in New Jersey, contact Deborah Darbee, chief of employment and training, New Jersey Department of Labor at 609-633-7757 or Deborah.Darbee@dol.nj.gov.

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