In the spring of 2018, more than 400 small business owners, company representatives and other critical workforce development partners attended the Apprenticeship In Motion (AIM) Program’s series of statewide summits. Specifically, this program encourages the expansion of more nontraditional industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, high-tech, information technology, cyber security, logistics, tourism and hospitality.
“Expanding the use of registered apprenticeships will meet the workforce needs of industry, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers for the future,” said Eric Seleznow, who directs Jobs For the Future’s (JFF) Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning for various programs around the nation. “The proven rigor, standards and quality of apprenticeship programs will serve West Virginia employers well.”
The summits, which took place across the state in April and May, trained companies and small businesses in the West Virginia on how to integrate the apprenticeship model into their human resource practices. Summit attendees heard from senior business leaders from across the country about why apprenticeship has been an effective training model in their workplaces.
Seleznow continued, “JFF’s Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning applauds the Mountain State for the AIM Summits and its forward-thinking approach to expanding the proven practice of apprenticeships. This effort will help bridge skill gaps and tap new talent pools for the critical work of West Virginia’s employers.”
AIM will host a workshop for small businesses and company representatives Thursday, Aug. 30, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg. To register or learn more about the upcoming workshop, contact Peggy Crowder at pcrowder@GVEDC.COM.
The Apprenticeship In Motion (AIM) program is being funded through a grant obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor.
