The U.S. Department of Labor is celebrating its eighth annual National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 14-20, 2022.
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is celebrated nationwide and gives businesses, educators, and communities the opportunity to highlight their apprenticeship programs and apprentices while providing valuable information to those who seek careers.
Lake Region State College has held two webinars in November with a third one planned for December 7th to give an overview on apprenticeships and how employers can utilize these programs to build their workforce.
Opportunities with apprenticeships are growing in ND and at Lake Region State College. Apprenticeship models present another avenue for individuals to find long-term career opportunities right here in North Dakota.
Lake Region State College has been working with North Dakota CTE on its U.S. DOL Building State Capacity to Expand Apprenticeships. One popular area is Nursing.
“Offering apprenticeship programs has been a part of LRSC’s plan to meet labor market needs and utilize work-based learning to shorten the time needed to get highly skilled workers trained and into jobs” said LRSC President Doug Darling.
Today, the apprenticeship list at LRSC includes cyber security support technician, network support technician, helpdesk technician, electronics technician/simulation degree, electromechanical technician/technical studies, nursing and certified nurse assistant.
Nursing apprenticeships have grown exponentially this past year at LRSC as more employers are receptive to the model. Finding nurses is a nationwide issue, but it’s especially difficult in rural America and healthcare facilities in North Dakota are no exception.
Apprenticeships, especially in healthcare, are attractive to employers, increasing staff retention, decreasing recruitment costs and improving patient care quality.