State Officials Urge More Ohioans to Consider Apprenticeships

COLUMBUS, Ohio – During National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 17-23), Ohio officials are encouraging individuals seeking career opportunities to consider an apprenticeship.

“One of the ingredients of our economic success, innovation and growth in Ohio is our range of quality apprenticeship programs,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Apprenticeships provide a clear pathway to a great-paying, lifelong career. Ohioans who take on an apprenticeship earn money while they learn a new skill. They avoid student loan debt and, when they complete their programs, they can even receive a nationally recognized credential.”

Ohio ranks third in the nation and first in the Midwest in the number of apprentices, with more than 23,000 enrolled in an apprenticeship program, a news release states.

“Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs are incredibly valuable because they offer an earn-while-you-learn model that benefits both employers and employees,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. “Without the high cost of college, participants gain hands-on skills, real-world experience and a paycheck instead of a tuition bill. It’s a winning solution that builds a skilled workforce without the burden of debt.”

Workers in skilled trades are in high demand. Positions in construction, plumbing, HVAC, electric, welding, pipefitting and other trades are highly sought after and offer competitive salaries – even at the apprenticeship level. After as few as five years as an apprentice, individuals in a trade often earn more than twice the state median income, the release states.

“Apprentices working in skilled trades provide us with places to live and places to work, which is particularly needed right now in Ohio because we are in an economic boom, where more businesses are moving into the state and the demand for residential housing keeps growing and growing,” said Sherry Maxfield, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Ohio has more than 200 occupations that offer apprenticeships in fields such as construction, energy, health care, advanced manufacturing, computer programming, teaching and others. More information is available HERE.

Click HERE to search for National Apprenticeship Week events happening throughout the state.

Pictured at top: Image via Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.