Jay Ramsey from the Department of Labor joined the House Commerce Committee on Wednesday to catch them up to speed on Vermont's apprenticeship landscape. He shared that Apprenticeships are a proven workforce solution. A registered apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential

Apprenticeships create benefits for employers such as:

• Creating diverse and highly-skilled workforce
• Improving productivity and profitability
• Increasing staff loyalty and worker retention
• Flexible training options
• Access to federal and state resources
• Access to tax credits and employee tuition benefits

They also benefit workers:

• Earn as you learn
• Avoid student debt
• Gain workplace-relevant skills in the field of their choice
• Ese the transition from school to career
• Receive nationally-recognized portable credential and/or college credits
• Jump start your career
• Benefits for educators
• Creates a revenue stream
• Increases enrollment and number of completers
• Provides students hands-on learning opportunities
• Strengthens connections to employers
• State and tax credits may apply via WIOA and possibly FASFA

Ramsey stressed that registered apprenticeships have a proven track record of producing strong results or employers and workers;

• $1.47 return for every dollar spent on apprenticeship by employers
• 93% of registered apprentices ae employed upon completion of their apprenticeships
• $28 in benefits for every $1 invested by the government
• $77k average salary for persons who complete apprenticeships
• $300k+ increase in lifetime earnings for apprentices on average

The Department of Labor is suggesting that the state align their program with the federal regulations in order to best leverage available dollars. However it seems that the federal programs do not cover all occupations so the state will need to fill in some gaps. The language they are proposing would codify administrative requirements and processes and create pathways for businesses to train more people. Additionally it would set expectations for diversity, equity and inclusion.