LOCAL NEWS —Modern American apprenticeships are on the rise. And why not? It’s a great deal for both workers and employers. Workers get paid on-the-job training and exposure to mentors in their fields. Employers get to develop highly-skilled employees who usually stay longer and work more efficiently. It’s a win-win.

Motlow State recently became a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This means the college may now quickly design apprenticeship programs the meet the needs of area employers.

“Many of our industry partners are anxious to add apprenticeships to their portfolio of training programs,” said Dr. Michael Torrence, Motlow president. “There is a sense of urgency and opportunity in pursuit of both formal and informal apprenticeships.”

RAP’s allow employers access to a wider talent pool and reduces overall unemployment in southern, middle Tenneessee.

According to Torrence, “Apprenticeships are another public-private partnership win-win. For employers, apprenticeships help identify and vet talent early in the pipeline and support strong candidates through job-readiness training that can often qualify for funding support. For future workers, apprenticeships are important pathways toward high-wage skills without taking on the debt traditionally associated with high-demand credentials.”

Last year the USDOL announced awards totaling $183.8 million to support the development and expansion of apprenticeships for educational institutions partnering with companies that provide a funding-match component. The Department is also making an additional $100 million available for efforts to expand apprenticeships and close the employee skills gap.

For more information contact Kathy Parker, Motlow executive director of workforce development, at 931-393-1760 or [email protected]. •