National Apprenticeship Week: Programs Booming In The UC

It is National Apprenticeship Week, and a time to look at the growing popularity of programs.

Apprenticeship opportunities have boomed in the Upper Cumberland over the past year. Upper Cumberland Workforce Business Service Administrator Jeremiah Miller said the American Job Center has grown from two to 13 programs over the past two years.

“We had the difficulty of finding employees because of the pandemic,” Miller said. “So companies have had to transition themselves as well into more of finding the talent and developing the talent.”

Miller said the demand for some of these programs has grown to the point that waiting lists have formed. Miller said more and more high school students are taking advantage as a way to enter the workforce.

“We had a company that had five positions open and opened their apprenticeship program to high school students,” Miller said. “Within just a few months, they were able to fill all of their needs. Multiple companies have done that.”

Miller said cosmetology, electricians, commercial driving, wielding and manufacturing are all common apprenticeships in the region. Miller said these programs develop talent for a specific need within the company.