Chamber gets educated on apprenticeship programs

KELLOGG — Ricia Lasso with the Idaho Department of Labor (IDL) took center stage at the Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week to discuss the benefits of businesses developing registered apprentice programs.

This presentation is a year in the making after the IDL received federal monies to begin developing these programs.

“About a year ago the Idaho Department of Labor received a grant from the National Department of Labor,” Lasso said. “That money was given to get more registered apprenticeships going in the State of Idaho. Prior to that, we had one person who took care of the apprenticeships for the entire state, but now we have a trained team who handles it.”

Lasso then outlined the five components of the registered apprenticeship program- Business involvement, structured on-the-job training, related instruction, rewards for skill gains, and national occupational credential.

High school students as young as 16 can enroll in the program and there is a school-to-registered apprenticeship program which allows high school students the opportunity to participate in apprenticeship training as part of their high school classroom activities, but there are strict requirements that students must adhere to.

“Student apprentices generally work part-time during their senior year, they may even work full-time during the summer,” Lasso said. “Students must stay in high school and if a student drops out will be canceled from the apprenticeship program.”

The certification of completion is recognized nationally.

Registered apprenticeship programs are very good for local businesses sponsoring them too.

In fact, according to IDL, a recent study showed that for every $1 invested in registered apprenticeship programs, employers of all sizes can expect to receive $1.47 in return.

“Through registered apprenticeship, businesses have the opportunity to train workers to meet their specific standards,” Lasso said. “Because apprenticeships start out earning 40-50 percent less than fully-trained employees, businesses can save money on wages by sponsoring an apprentice. These lower wages serve to offset some of the cost of offering an apprenticeship program.”

For more information on registered apprenticeship programs with the Idaho Department of Labor contact Lasso at 208-457-8789, ext. 3992.