As companies struggle to identify and attract workers, apprenticeship has been identified as an important piece of the puzzle. Engaging businesses in conversations about the benefits of establishing their own apprenticeship program continues to be a major focus.

NCWorks and NextGen staff were at the Johnston County Apprenticeship Information Session to explain how workforce services can actually enhance an apprenticeship program. OJT training dollars can reimburse employers a percentage of wages paid during the training period and Catalyst 2020 funding can be used to fund third-party training of their incumbent workers.

CAWD’s private sector board members are also playing  a major role! The demand for skilled professionals is at a 10-year high across industries. Nearly 1.5 million are employed within the manufacturing industry! Charlie Bell, president at Studio TK, hosted an apprenticeship information session and open house at his location in Clayton. In addition, Charlie and Stephen Miller of Novo Nordisk are both partners in the Johnston County Apprenticeship Program (JCAP).

The Training-to-Work Reentry Initiative  is successfully placing ex-offenders in construction-related training and jobs.

Data shows that reentrants employed two months after re-entry are about half as likely to recidivate as those who are unemployed. And among the employed, those earning more than $10 per hour are half as likely.

Being able to place participants in construction jobs where average wages are well in excess of $10 per hour will permit them to successfully sustain a household and ease the transition back into the mainstream community. Potential median earnings for those that stay in the construction industry are $19.66/hour for Wake County and $17.20 for Johnston.

Training-to-Work ends in September. Below are outcomes to date.

TOTAL PARTICIPANTS: 176
• 44 have entered employment
• 55 have entered occupational training
• 60 have earned industry credentials