SANTA ANA, Calif. (November 10, 2022) – To celebrate the U.S. Department of Labor’s eighth annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), the County of Orange and Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB) are hosting a series of virtual apprenticeship information sessions in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
“The County is proud to support National Apprenticeship Week and showcase the impact apprenticeships have on building the workforce in Orange County,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor.
“Apprenticeships offer many benefits to our community, including flexible training options, which strengthens our local economy. We look forward to developing the next generation of workers as part of our diverse workforce,” said Vice Chairman Donald Wagner, Third District Supervisor.
Held annually in November, NAW will take place from November 14 through November 20, 2022. Apprenticeship information sessions will be held from November 14 through November 18, 2022, and cover electrical, ironwork, building and construction, plumbing and irrigation, sheet metal, engineering, and carpentry apprenticeship programs.
“There are many alternative routes to a successful career that don’t require a college degree,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “Trade careers provide practical and useful skills, incur less student loan debt, and will always be in demand.”
OCWDB National Apprenticeship Week Information Sessions
“Apprenticeships empower individuals to take the first step towards building a career,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District. “As we continue to see rising costs of living and housing in Orange County, apprenticeship programs provide hands-on, on-the-job training, earn and learn opportunities so job seekers are trained well for quality living wage jobs with fair benefits. I encourage those looking to explore careers in the trades to consider participating in apprenticeship programs that help with professional development and deliver real, life-changing results for working families.”
According to Apprenticeship.gov, 93% of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program with an average starting salary of $77,000.
“Apprenticeship programs are a great way for apprentices to improve their employability, get a feel for the work environment and gain valuable experience, all while getting paid to learn,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “These programs are a great benefit to employers in that they can train and cultivate workers to meet their specific standards.”
Hundreds of NAW events and activities will be taking place all over the country, including open houses, skill competitions, community forums, apprentice graduations, and more.
To learn more about National Apprenticeship Week, email info@ocworkforcesolutions.com, visit ocworkforcesolutions.com/events, or call (714) 480-6500.
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The Orange County Workforce Development Board, through the Orange County Workforce Solutions Center, offers comprehensive services such as hiring assistance, career transition services, and employment services to businesses and job seekers at no cost.
National Apprenticeship Week was established by the U.S. Department of Labor to celebrate the significant impact Registered Apprenticeship programs have had in rebuilding our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.
