U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez is visiting North Carolina today to learn more about the state’s successful apprenticeship programs and how the customized training improves employer productivity and strengthens the skills of workers. North Carolina has several apprenticeship programs formed by businesses partnering with NCWorks and the N.C. Apprenticeship and Training Bureau.
“The ‘earn-while-you-learn’ apprenticeship model is a win-win for businesses and workers alike. Businesses gain a pipeline of skilled employees in order to grow and workers gain training for jobs that pay well and offer a secure pathway to the middle class,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Perez. “The innovative partnerships developed here in North Carolina should be a model for communities across the country.”
Perez met with North Carolina Commerce Secretary John Skvarla, business officials, and apprentices to discuss the importance of apprenticeship programs in strengthening the economy. Bühler Aeroglide of Cary hosted the roundtable discussion, and officials toured the manufacturing facility. Bühler Aeroglide develops industrial systems for food manufacturing.
“I’m proud to highlight how North Carolina’s apprenticeship programs are training our workforce to be the best in the nation,” said Secretary Skvarla. “We’re helping businesses become more successful, improving our way of life, and setting an example of economic success for the nation to follow.”
Apprenticeships train workers for new skills through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Participants earn progressively higher wages as they complete their programs.
Bühler Aeroglide is a co-founder of the seven-member N.C. Triangle Apprenticeship Program and uses apprenticeships to train individuals in welding and fabrication, mold and plastic technology, and automation.
“Today’s visit by Secretary Perez and Secretary Skvarla validates the importance of apprenticeships, and we want students to know this is a viable option after high school,” said Hansjoerg Ill, President and CEO at Bühler Aeroglide. “In addition to the economic and productivity benefits realized by participating businesses, apprenticeships create a unique opportunity to empower young people and help them gain valuable work experience combined with a college education.”
NCWorks Apprenticeship helps companies develop programs that train workers according to an employer’s needs. Companies interested in establishing an apprenticeship program should contact NCWorks Apprenticeship at http://nccommerce.com/workforce/businesses/apprenticeship.
NCWorks
In April, Governor Pat McCrory announced NCWorks, a new partnership between the N.C. Department of Commerce, the N.C. Community College System, and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction to improve the state’s workforce system. Through the NCWorks initiative, partners will create a stronger alignment of services and resources to meet the workforce needs of businesses, connect North Carolinians to technical training and quality careers, and use data to monitor and assess program outcomes. For more information about NCWorks, visit www.nccommerce.com/ncworks.
The N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions is a part of the N.C. Department of Commerce. For more information about the division, visit www.nccommerce.com/workforce.