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Apprenticeship Opportunities Highlighted During National Apprenticeship Week

Students, employers, and educators learned about apprenticeship opportunities at multiple events organized by Northwest Michigan Works! during National Apprenticeship Week November 11-17. The events included special sessions at Boyne City and Petoskey High Schools that highlighted career opportunities through apprenticeships. Apprentices, educators, employers, mentors, and representatives from Northwest Michigan Works! participated in both events and discussed their apprenticeship experiences. The employers talked about their open opportunities, wages, benefits, and how to apply. Northwest Michigan Works! provided an overview of registered apprenticeships from a student's perspective, including the opportunity for education without debt. Along with both high schools, other partners joining Northwest Michigan Works! at the events included Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, The Inn at Bay Harbor, the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, and North Central Michigan College.

Apprenticeship Week also included a regional apprenticeship information session in Traverse City hosted by Northwestern Michigan College in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! The session gave all types and sizes of businesses, educational providers, and non-profit organizations the opportunity to learn about apprenticeships and participate in a panel discussion with local experts and employers answering questions regarding their registered apprenticeship experience.

This was the fifth year for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), a nationwide celebration that gives businesses, communities, and educators the opportunity to showcase their apprenticeship programs and apprentices while providing valuable information to career seekers. Registered apprenticeships, developed through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, are a proven training method for employers to build a talent pipeline of highly-skilled, educated employees. Registered apprenticeships are offered in over 1300 occupations and can be designed for any size or type of business. Northwest Michigan Works! provides technical assistance and administrative support for registered apprenticeships, including development and implementation guidance. More information about Registered Apprenticeships is available at nwm.org/abrn

Our Township greatly benefits from Network Northwest's experience, depth of knowledge and understanding. Because they work with so many diverse communities in our ten-county region they understand the local land-use issues and are already working on solutions by the time we realize we need some help.
- Susan Odom, Chair, Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission