Twitter chat to showcase advantages of registered apprenticeship programs

People eager to learn more about apprenticeship training programs in Michigan are invited to participate in a special Twitter Chat Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

The social media event, sponsored by Oakland County Michigan Works! and Oakland Community College, is held in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Week. It is designed to increase awareness of registered apprenticeship opportunities for workers in Michigan and across the country. Twitter followers should use the hashtag, #ApprenticeshipOak.

"Oakland County and our Michigan Works! offices are leading the charge in the state's efforts to attract more people to apprenticeship programs," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. "Registered apprenticeships provide people of all ages with the opportunity to launch successful careers with competitive salaries but with little or no educational debt."

Launched 80 years ago in construction and other professional trades, apprenticeships are offered in more than 1,000 occupations in Michigan, including health care, information technology and energy. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the state has more than 14,000 active apprentices, who enjoy an average annual starting salary of $60,000 upon graduation.

Topics during the Twitter Chat include:

- Types of apprenticeship programs available.

- Benefits of completing an apprenticeship.

- Where to find apprenticeship opportunities.

- Keys to completing a successful apprenticeship.

"We work with employers throughout the county and continually hear about the significant shortage of qualified workers," said Jennifer Llewellyn, manager of Oakland County Workforce Development. "We're always looking for innovative ways to share information on career opportunities and this Twitter Chat with companies that have existing apprenticeship programs should be very helpful for students, parents, educators, employers, job seekers and others."

In addition to the Oakland County event, the state is hosting a Facebook Live webcast, "Going PRO with Registered Internships," Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. The webcast can be accessed via #MichNAW and #GoingPROinMI. For more information, visit www.OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.

Published: Mon, Nov 13, 2017