Veterans’ Success in Apprenticeship Programs: A Pathway to Prosperity

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Veterans bring a wealth of skills and experiences to the civilian workforce, making them ideal candidates for apprenticeship programs. These programs offer a structured, earn-and-learn model that aligns with the discipline and technical expertise veterans acquire during their military service. Here’s a closer look at how veterans are thriving in apprenticeship programs and the benefits these programs offer:

The Unique Fit of Veterans in Apprenticeships

Veterans are uniquely suited for apprenticeship programs due to their military training, which instills discipline, teamwork, and technical skills which are all directly transferable to various apprenticeship roles, making the transition both smoother and more effective.

Benefits of Apprenticeship Programs for Veterans

  1. Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeship programs allow veterans to earn a paycheck while gaining hands-on experience in their chosen field. This model helps veterans support themselves and their families without accumulating debt.
  2. Utilizing GI Bill Benefits: Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to receive a tax-free monthly housing stipend while participating in registered apprenticeship programs. This financial support can significantly ease the transition to civilian life.
  3. High Retention and Employment Rates: Statistics show that 90% of apprentices retain employment after completing their program. This high retention rate is a testament to the effectiveness of apprenticeships in providing stable, long-term employment.
  4. Diverse Career Opportunities: Apprenticeship programs are available in various industries, including construction, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity. This diversity allows veterans to find a career path that aligns with their interests and skills.

Challenges Veterans Face in Apprenticeship Programs

Despite the many benefits, veterans can face several challenges when transitioning into apprenticeship programs. Here are some common obstacles:

  1. Adjustment to Civilian Work Culture: Veterans often need to adapt to a different type of work environment and culture, which is often quite different from the military. This includes adjusting to new social norms and workplace dynamics.
  2. Mental Health and Well-being: Some veterans may experience mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, which can affect their performance and integration into apprenticeship programs.
  3. Physical Disabilities: Veterans with service-related injuries or disabilities might find certain physical tasks challenging. Ensuring that apprenticeship programs are accessible and accommodating is crucial.
  4. Recognition of Military Skills: Translating military skills and experiences into civilian qualifications can be difficult. Veterans might struggle to get their military training and skills recognized in the civilian job market.
  5. Financial Stability: While apprenticeships offer the benefit of earning while learning, the initial pay might be lower than what veterans were accustomed to in the military. This can create financial strain during the transition period.
  6. Finding the Right Program: Not all apprenticeship programs are available in every community, and entry can be competitive. Veterans might face challenges in finding a program that fits their skills and career goals.

Addressing these challenges requires a supportive approach from employers, apprenticeship program coordinators, and veteran support organizations. Providing mental health resources, ensuring accessibility, and helping veterans translate their skills can significantly ease their transition into civilian careers.

Success Stories

Many veterans have found great success through apprenticeship programs. For example, the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program allows active-duty service members to improve their technical skills and fulfill apprenticeship requirements, setting them up for successful civilian careers. Additionally,programs like the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge matches transitioning service members with civilian job training opportunities, including apprenticeships, within 180 days of separation.

Conclusion

Apprenticeship programs offer veterans a unique opportunity to leverage their military skills in the civilian workforce. By providing a structured, supportive environment, these programs help veterans build prosperous careers while contributing to a skilled and diverse workforce.

For more information on how veterans can benefit from apprenticeship programs, visit Apprenticeship.gov, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

House and Senate Reach Agreement on WIOA Reauthorization Bill But Concerns Remain

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On Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, leaders of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee announced that they have reached a bipartisan and bicameral agreement on legislation to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for the next five years.

Details, including legislative text, have not yet been made public. However, committee leaders provided a high-level initial briefing earlier today highlighting some of the major components of this proposal. The new bill largely appears to build on the House bill, A Stronger Workforce for America Act (HR 6655), about which we expressed significant concerns when it was passed by the House earlier this year.

Similar to H.R. 6655, the bipartisan agreement would maintain a narrowly defined 50% training mandate for Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker funding streams. The emerging agreement would, however, allow for up to 8% of this required training services expenditure to be used for supportive services—a small departure from this provision in the House’s earlier WIOA proposal.

Details regarding state-level set-asides remain unclear, but committee leaders have indicated that these funds would support statewide initiatives similar to the House and Senate’s proposals regarding critical industry skills funds and sector partnership efforts. It also remains unclear how local workforce area redesignation efforts, another area of significant concern for NAWB and other local partners, would be structured in this agreement.

Apprenticeship Successes from the Lake County Workforce Development Board

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The   Lake County Workforce Development Board has successfully created a vibrant pipeline of talent with partners and sponsors of Registered Apprenticeship Programs, addressing critical workforce challenges and providing opportunities to make good jobs more accessible to populations that have been underrepresented in the workforce.

In partnership with the National Institute for Work and Learning and FHI360, the Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA) program was launched in January 2024, enrolling 18 apprentices from seven local organizations.

 

The YDPA offers a non-traditional option for existing staff to engage in instruction and related materials on positive youth development principles and provides these principles in direct services to the youth. Just as importantly, YDPA is delivered to a cohesive network of youth development professionals who are learning from each other and deepening their understanding of collaboration and service integration across community organizations. This collaboration has led to increased referrals, stronger relationships, and enhanced service strategies, adding yet another valuable tool to strengthen and expand the workforce development ecosystem.

 

The YDPA mission is to improve equity, access, and professional development for youth development practitioners. The YDPA course is a competency-based curriculum, comprised of group cohort and individualized learning. Modules and learning activities are designed to help apprentices develop core skills in nine competency domains.

1. Positive Youth Development Principles and Relationships
2. Coaching, Planning and Support
3. Group Facilitation
4. Career Pathways
5. Career Case Management
6. Leveraging Technology

7. Understanding How Youth Organizations Work
8. Professional Development
9. Self-Care 

The success of YDPA is based on partnerships – the program consists of the apprenticeship sponsor, the organization (employer), the apprentice, and their supervisor and mentor. The community partnering agencies create an inclusive culture and welcoming environment for all agencies to be part of the network and provide access to careers for young people. The apprentices themselves are the cornerstone of this success. The skills, insights, and experiences they gain through the YDPA will have a lasting impact on the young people they serve. This experience strengthens the network of youth development professionals dedicated to creating brighter futures for Lake County’s youth.

“The Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship has been incredibly valuable in my job. It’s given me practical experience and helped me improve my skills in youth-centered design, facilitation, and coaching. I feel more equipped to engage young people effectively and apply best practices to support their growth.” – Angel Tovar, Youth Career Advisor, Business and Career Services

“I always knew I had a passion for youth development, however, YDPA has given me the tools to put my passion into practice and I’ve gained a group of colleagues/friends that have a plethora of experience and skills that I would never had access to had it not been for this apprenticeship. I am forever grateful.” – Tempest Shardae Earl, Member Services and Data Manager, YouthBuild Lake County

The first cohort of YDPA apprentices is scheduled to graduate in January 2025. Lake County Workforce Development is looking forward to collaborating with The National Institute for Work and Learning to offer a second cohort in 2025, expanding opportunities to young people interested in working in the ecosystem.

E07: National Apprenticeship Week Spotlight: Apprenticeships in Wisconsin

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Tune in as NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by David Polk, Director of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, and President of NASTAD (National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors), during National Apprenticeship Week 2024. Polk shares his unique perspective as a third-generation plumber who came full circle, from proudly graduating Wisconsin’s apprenticeship program to now overseeing it. The conversation explores Wisconsin’s innovative approaches to apprenticeship, including its nationally recognized youth apprenticeship program, expansion into new sectors like healthcare and education, and strategies to support small businesses and increase program completion rates. Discover how Wisconsin partners with workforce boards and technical colleges to create successful apprenticeship pathways, and gain insights into the future of work-based learning as a solution to America’s growing skilled workforce shortage.

National Apprenticeship Week 2024

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NAWB looks forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) this year! This nationwide celebration brings together employers, labor organizations, community groups, workforce partners, educational institutions, government agencies and more to highlight the successes and importance of Registered Apprenticeship programs.

During the week of Nov. 17-23, we will join in the NAW festivities by showcasing the work of our partners, sharing events and messaging that demonstrate how apprenticeships create valuable career pathways to help individuals gain meaningful employment.

Here’s how we are honoring the theme of each day of NAW. Follow along on LinkedIn, X and Instagram using #NAW2024 and #NAWB. Feel free to use the sample social media posts we’ve provided.

 

Monday, Nov. 18: Youth and Young Adult Apprenticeship Day

We’ll share some apprenticeship stories from NAWB member Lake County Workforce Development Board. Learn how Lake County has created a thriving apprenticeship program and dive into stories from those on the ground.

Sample post:

We’re excited to kick off #NAW2024 by celebrating the success of [Insert name and tag of board, business, etc. ] and their Registered Apprenticeship work. Learn all about it [insert link]! #NAWB

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Registered Apprenticeship in New and Emerging Industries and Around the Globe

We’re dropping the latest episode of Workforce Central, the official podcast of NAWB, with guest David Polk, director at the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards in the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. He and our President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, discuss Wisconsin’s successful Registered Apprenticeship initiatives.

Sample post:

Check out a deep dive into new and emerging industries with expert insights from David Polk, director at @WIWorkforce. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! https://www.nawb.org/news-and-media/workforce-central-podcast

 

Wednesday. Nov. 20: Expanding Registered Apprenticeship to Underserved Populations

We encourage you to revisit From WIOA’s Perspective: A Registered Apprenticeship Potpourri, an energetic and interactive webinar led by Maria Remboulis Brady, the US. Department of Labor’s Region IV Multi-State Navigator in the Office of Apprenticeship, on how WIOA and Registered Apprenticeship (RA) are connected, how to utilize braided funding for RA, contracting to support RA, navigating the eligible training provider system, and performance on the Credential Attainment Rate.

Sample post

We’re revisiting a recent #NAWB webinar with @USDOL staff to learn more about expanding registered apprenticeship to underserved populations for #NAW2024.

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JONZl5Tinpg&t=4s

Thursday. Nov. 21: Women in Apprenticeship

We’re sharing a conversation Jan Bray, senior advisor to NAWB, had with Marie Mackintosh, President and CEO of EmployIndy, about underserved populations and women in Registered Apprenticeships. They discussed the challenges these groups face in accessing apprenticeship opportunities and the importance of creating more inclusive pathways.

Sample post:

Learn about women in apprenticeship! @WorkforceInvest is sharing an interview with @EmployIndy about underserved populations and women in registered apprenticeship. Find it on their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WorkforceBoards

 

Friday, Nov. 22: Federal Apprenticeship and Veterans in Apprenticeship

We’ll be posting our new blog which examines why veterans are a unique fit for apprenticeship, some challenges they may face, success stories, and a variety of resources related to veteran apprenticeship. Find it on our blog page.

Sample Post:

The final day of #NAW2024 is focused on #VeteranApprenticeship. Check out @WorkforceInvest blog illustrating why veterans are a unique fit for apprenticeship + related opportunities, successes, +resources https://www.nawb.org/news-and-media/nawblog

Election 2024: Initial Takeaways

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Here’s What We Know:

  • Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. In his previous term, the former President supported workforce development policies that emphasized employers’ roles and contributions to the workforce system.
  • Republicans have regained control of the U.S. Senate for the 119th Congress, which begins in January, but the final margin of control is still being sorted out.
  • The Senate Republican conference is expected to begin deliberations to elect a new Majority Leader in the next few weeks. Current frontrunners for this position are Senators John Thune (R-SD), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL).
  • As the party controlling the Senate, Republicans will serve as Chair of each Senate committee:
  • The Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will likely be led by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).
  • The Senate Appropriations Committee will likely be chaired by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
  • There will be many new U.S. Senators in the 119th Congress, including:
    • Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)
    • Jim Banks (R-IN)
    • John Curtis (R-UT)
    • Jim Justice (R-WV)
    • Andy Kim (D-NJ)
    • Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio)
    • Pete Ricketts (R-NE)
    • Adam Schiff (D-CA)
    • Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
    • Tim Sheehy (R-MT)
  • Several races are still too close to call.
  • U.S. House races will take more time to be determined, so control of the House remains uncertain at this time.

Here’s What’s Next:

  • NAWB will share information as it becomes available on committee leadership, the final makeup of Congress, and prospects for workforce policy in the 119th Congress.
  • NAWB will advocate for a strong investment in workforce development in the new president’s budget, inaugural address, and Cabinet nominations. This includes reaching out to the White House Transition Team.
  • NAWB will host a special post-election Public Policy PowerUp for our members on Friday, Nov. 22, at 1pm EST.
  • NAWB is already planning Workforce Advocacy Day, which will take place immediately following The Forum in Washington DC.

Here’s What You Can Do:

  • Tell us about your connections to newly-elected (or re-elected) members of Congress or local officials. This will help us in planning our advocacy throughout the year. Email us at nawb@nawb.org
  • Plan to join us for Workforce Advocacy Day. This is the ideal opportunity to tell the powerful story of workforce development in your community and to build strong relationships with our elected officials in Washington.
  • Congratulate everyone in your community who ran for office, even if they didn’t win. This is a great way to acknowledge community leaders and build relationships with potential future leaders.

Your Voice Matters:

Every new member of Congress will come to Washington with a different level of knowledge about the workforce development system. It will be up to all of us to educate them about how the system serves their constituents and how Congress can bolster it.

NAWB is committed to providing the tools and resources needed to advocate effectively on these issues.

Election Day is Next Week: Here’s What We’re Watching

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Election Day is Next Week – Here’s What We’re Watching

The House of Representatives:

  • All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, along with six non-voting Delegate positions, are up for grabs. With 45 House members not running for re-election and many competitive races, there will likely be significant turnover, leading to many new faces in Congress and possibly a reorganization of House committees.
  • The House is currently controlled by Republicans with a 220-212 margin over Democrats, while three seats are currently vacant. This balance of power will determine whether:
    • Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) continues as Speaker, or if
    • Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) takes the gavel if Democrats gain a majority.
  • Control of the House dictates leadership across its committees, as the majority party selects committee chairs and generally holds proportionate representation in each committee.
  • With Republicans in control, they currently lead all House committees. This would shift if Democrats gain a majority.
  • Committee chairs are chosen within each party, although membership distribution doesn’t always strictly follow the House’s overall composition.
  • Notably:
    • Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), who currently chairs the House Education and Workforce Committee, is term-limited from remaining Committee Chair. Likely successors include:
      • Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
      • Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)
  • Additionally, re-elected members may switch committees to pursue seats on prestigious committees like Appropriations, Ways & Means, and Commerce, which could significantly alter committee compositions.
  • The upcoming changes in committee leadership, membership, and potentially the overall House majority could reshape legislative priorities in 2025, especially in areas like workforce development, currently overseen by the House Education and Workforce Committee. This turnover and restructuring could have a lasting impact on policy-making and committee focus within the House.

The Senate:

  • One-third of the U.S. Senate seats will be contested, with eight Senators deciding not to run for re-election.
  • The Senate is currently controlled by the Democrats, holding a narrow majority with 47 seats, alongside four Independents who typically vote with them, compared to the Republicans’ 49 seats.
  • If Democrats retain control:
  • Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is expected to continue as Majority Leader.
  • If Republicans gain more seats than Democrats:
  • They will select a new Majority Leader to set the Senate’s agenda.
  • In the event of a 50-50 split, the newly elected Vice President would cast the deciding vote and determine Senate control.
  • Control over the Senate also dictates the leadership and composition of its committees:
  • Democrats currently chair all Senate committees. A shift in majority would hand Republicans control of committee leadership.
  • Committee membership is usually distributed to reflect the Senate’s overall makeup. For example, if one party holds 55% of the Senate seats, they would fill around 55% of each committee’s seats.
  • The outcome of the Senate race will not only affect the leadership and legislative direction of the upper chamber but also the committee dynamics that play a vital role in shaping, reviewing, and advancing legislation across a wide array of policy areas.

What does this all mean?

We will be closely watching on Election Day to see:

  • Which party will control each chamber.
  • Which incumbents are re-elected or replaced.
  • Which members have a chance to become committee chairs.

As in previous years, election results may not be known for days or weeks, and some close races could result in a recount or a run-off election. We will report our findings in:

  • Weekly NAWB News
  • Policy Alert emails
  • During our next Public Policy PowerUp on Friday, Nov. 22.
    • At this event (free and exclusively for NAWB members), we will do a deep dive into what the 119th Congress is shaping up to look like—and what policies are likely to be pursued—when the new Congress is sworn into office on Jan. 7, 2025.

Make Your Voice Heard!

With less than a week left until Election Day 2024, use [this resource] to check the rules in your state regarding:

  • Registration
  • Mail ballots
  • Early voting

Make a plan to vote to ensure your voice is heard!

Workforce Development Month Recap

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Workforce Development Month 2024 was an exciting time for NAWB and our members. Here are some highlights:

Throughout the Month:

We highlighted testimonials from The Forum 2024, facilitated by Equus. Workforce leaders
shared their thoughts on the importance of workforce development and its significance in our economy. Our goal was to spark conversations about workforce boards, the work they do, and the unique ways they serve their communities.

Week Two:

We emphasized advocacy efforts, showcasing the initiatives of NAWB member EmployIndy at local, state, and federal levels. Our new Advocacy Toolkit was reintroduced to empower you in advocating for your workforce development board and the broader system. Additionally, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, engaged in discussions on two podcasts, offering insights about the workforce development landscape and promoting the .

Week Three:

We focused on NAWB’s role in supporting your efforts, featuring inspiring success stories, including the story of Elkanah from Workforce Solutions Dallas, who transitioned from homelessness to gainful employment and stable housing. Be sure to check out our collection of success stories, showcasing our members’ impact on their communities.

Final Week:

In the last week of Workforce Development Month, we turned our attention to partnerships between workforce development boards and local businesses. This was highlighted by a video from the Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, who discussed the importance of vision planning and collaboration in workforce development.

 

Workforce Development Month illuminated the impactful contributions of the workforce development community. We take pride in the advocacy efforts led by our members and the inspiring success stories that reflect the transformative potential of our collective work. We look forward to continuing this momentum and further strengthening our workforce development initiatives together.

Looking for more resources and stories?

Check out our podcast, Workforce Central, where Brad Turner-Little interviews local leaders in workforce development, education, business, and economic development.