November 11, 2020 Less than a minute read

Leading the apprenticeship revolution

Workforce remains a vital concern for employers across Missouri. As the state seeks to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear that more must be done to help workers upgrade their skills so they can become qualified for available jobs. A renewed focus on apprenticeship in Missouri is helping show how this traditional workforce training method is helping spur a new revolution in workforce development.

The Missouri Chamber hosted a press event on Nov. 9 to kick off National Apprenticeship Week in Missouri. Featured speakers included U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, business leaders from Cerner and CyberUp and a Missouri apprentice.

The event highlighted how 94% of apprentices are retained by their employers after the completion of their apprenticeships with a salary averaging $70,000. This leads to a $300,000 lifetime earning advantage over non- apprentices.

Missouri is considered a leading state in the advancement of today’s modern apprenticeship models. Several important developments this year are helping Missouri continue to set the pace for the country:

  • The Missouri Chamber Foundation is currently deploying $6 million in federal funding to create 5,300 new tech industry apprenticeships.
  • A first-in-the-nation apprenticeship matching service was launched in 2020: Missouri Apprentice Connect.
  • The Missouri legislature passed House Bill 2046, allowing apprentices to gain industry credentials during their apprenticeships.

The public is invited to watch a recording of the event on Facebook.

 


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