National Apprenticeship Week is Nov. 13-19

Next week, unions, employers, industry associations, community-based organizations, workforce development partners, education providers, and government leaders across the nation will be hosting events to showcase the successes and value of registered apprenticeship programs.

And of course, Washington state will be joining in this nationwide celebration.

“Registered apprenticeships are absolutely key to rebuilding our economy and building a pipeline to quality union jobs,” said Kairie Pierce, Lead Workforce Development Director for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “They have also proven successful in advancing racial and gender equity, and creating more career opportunities in underserved communities.”

Do you want to “earn while you learn” a family-wage career in the trades? Check out the Construct a Career website from the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council about how to get started in a union apprenticeship program today! Also, check out the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Become an Apprentice webpage listing multiple resources for those interested in learning more.

All are invited to the following National Apprenticeship Week events in Washington. Make sure you share this information with folks who could benefit from a registered apprenticeship program! (More NAW events can be found here.)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

●  An Open House at the Machinists Institute will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at its Tukwila Training Center, 10838 E Marginal Way S. Tour the latest developments made at the Machinists Institute training center for opportunities to engage with apprentices, families, educators and employers. You will also have an exclusive opportunity to engage with our latest Pre-Apprenticeship cohort in action as they learn the foundations of the highest-demand skills in today’s aerospace, advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries.

●  The Regional Pre-Apprenticeship Collaboration (RPAC) present a Resource Workshop for Out-of-Work Apprentices and Pre-Apprentices from 4 to 6 p.m. at ANEW, 18338 Andover Park W. in Seattle. Register here. If you have been laid off or are out of work, come and learn how to file for unemployment, deal with unemployment issues, find hold-over jobs, and hustle your own work when available. Dinner will be provided.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

●  The Northwest Laborers Employers Training Trust will host a National Apprenticeship Week Open House on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Laborers 348, 2505 Duportail St. in Richland. Get details. 

●  The ANEW Construction Job Fair will be Thursday, Nov. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the ANEW Training Center, 18338 Andover Park W. in Tukwila. Register here. Connect with area registered apprenticeships and contractors looking to hire skilled workers like you!

●  The Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center will host the 2023 Apprenticeship Career + Job Fair on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 9001 Airport Road in Everett. Register here. Meet and network with 30-plus apprenticeship organizations from across Western Washington. Enjoy free food and hands-on activities.

●  The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Employment and Training Administration (ETA), and Women’s Bureau will host a National Apprenticeship Week webinar from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific. Register here. They will uplift the construction industry’s apprenticeship programs to amplify economic opportunities around OFCCP’s designated Mega Construction Projects. The webinar will recognize the importance of advancing access and equity for America’s workers interested in the trades and infrastructure.