This week, November 13 – 17, the Tennessee Department of Education is celebrating the 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), highlighting how apprenticeship programs build a stronger workforce and address labor market challenges through a combination of on-the-job training and high-quality curriculum and instruction. Across the state, there are now 45 certified pre-apprenticeship programs to support high school students in transitioning to one of seven different registered apprenticeship programs across 15 different areas of coursework.
Tennessee is a national leader in promoting apprenticeship opportunities as high school students have access to apprenticeship programs in machining, welding, maintenance, culinary arts, mechatronics, and information technology, being one of only seven states awarded the Pathways to STEM Apprenticeships.
To spotlight the nationwide celebration of NAW, Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation, highlighting the vital role apprenticeships play in expanding workforce opportunities for Tennesseans. Throughout the week, the department will spotlight innovative apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities on social media using #NAW2023 and #ApprenticeshipTN.
“This week, we are proud to highlight apprenticeship opportunities in Tennessee, as they provide students with practical learning experiences and enable them to gain valuable skills in various industries, increasing their chances of future success in the workforce,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education.
Registered apprenticeship programs combine paid coursework and on-the-job training from Tennessee employers to provide enriching and valuable learning opportunities for students. Certified pre-apprenticeship programs can be paid or unpaid opportunities, but like apprenticeships, can be done in a district’s work-based learning courses.
To learn more about apprenticeships in Tennessee, visit the ApprenticeshipTN webpage here.