Celebrating Local Apprenticeships in Deep East Texas During National Apprenticeship Week 2024
As we approach the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), taking place from November 17-23, 2024, we at Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas are excited to celebrate the significant role that apprenticeship programs play in shaping the future of our workforce and strengthening our local economy. In celebration of a decade of National Apprenticeship Week, the U.S. Department of Labor has themed the occasion “10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation,” highlighting the remarkable progress of Registered Apprenticeships across the nation. We are proud to contribute to this transformation right here in Deep East Texas.
Apprenticeships are a time-tested training model that combines hands-on learning with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn in a chosen career field. For businesses, apprenticeships provide an excellent way to develop a skilled workforce that meets the specific needs of the industry. For workers, apprenticeships offer a pathway to well-paying jobs with opportunities for growth and advancement.
Here in Deep East Texas, apprenticeships in carpentry and technology are gaining momentum, thanks to partnerships with local organizations such as Legacy Institute for Financial Empowerment (LIFE). These apprenticeships help individuals build practical skills while earning a competitive wage, setting them up for long-term career success in two of the region’s most promising industries.
- Carpentry Apprenticeships: The construction industry has long been a cornerstone of our local economy, and carpentry is one of its most essential trades. Whether building new homes or performing renovations, skilled carpenters are in high demand within our region. Through apprenticeship programs, local residents can gain the hands-on experience and technical knowledge needed to succeed in this field while having a mentor to assist throughout the entire process.
- Technology Apprenticeships: As technology continues to reshape our world, the demand for skilled IT professionals is on the rise. Tech apprenticeships provide a way for individuals to break into the fast-growing tech industry, gaining experience in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and IT support while learning directly from industry experts. Watch the video to see how one apprenticeship opportunity transformed into a life long career.
In addition to the carpentry and technology apprenticeships offered in Deep East Texas, we’re excited to highlight a groundbreaking partnership with Lockheed Martin that is creating new career pathways in advanced manufacturing and aerospace technology. This apprenticeship program aligns local high school PTECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) programs with Lockheed Martin's industry-specific training, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits while gaining hands-on experience in a high-demand field. Students begin the program by taking specialized coursework in electronics and engineering technology at Angelina College, paired with work-based learning opportunities at Lockheed Martin’s Lufkin operations. Throughout the apprenticeship, students receive mentorship from experienced professionals at Lockheed Martin, helping them develop the skills needed to succeed in aerospace manufacturing. Upon completion, apprentices are equipped with valuable credentials and have the opportunity to secure full-time positions with Lockheed Martin, offering them a direct pathway to a well-paying career in one of the nation's leading aerospace companies. This innovative partnership, supported by IPC International and Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, is transforming the workforce landscape in rural Texas, giving students a unique advantage in entering a thriving industry.
National Apprenticeship Week provides a platform to celebrate the positive impact of apprenticeships and raise awareness about their value to jobseekers, businesses, and communities. By working together with community partners, we are creating valuable opportunities for our local youth, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others in underserved populations to enter well-paying careers with room for advancement. This is not only important for individual prosperity but also for the continued economic growth of our region.
For more information about local apprenticeship opportunities or to find out how to enroll, contact Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas today!
