In 2021, this country has found itself faced with a culturally created, alarming deficit. The United States has a considerable shortage of tradesmen, with few entering the industry. While high school students are being steered towards four-year universities, pay is skyrocketing in trades like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and pipefitting, as demand increases for these skilled workers. Trade companies all over the United States are desperately seeking candidates as the number of students entering training is at an all-time low.
Fortunately, the state of Kentucky has allocated funds towards developing programs to help fill these vital positions. The Paducah community could not be more privileged to host one of these programs right in our own backyard. West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) offers an incredible, hands-on apprenticeship program through its Workforce Solutions Division. The program allows students to work with a trade company while attending classes with expert guidance and mentorship. The program is not only a transformative experience for individuals in the community, but it is an incomparable benefit to trade companies. The partnered companies will receive a full-time employee, guaranteed to stay for four years while they complete their apprenticeship, and will build loyalty with the student, potentially gaining a lifelong worker.
Another amazing element of the program is that it is not limited to adolescents entering the workforce. The WKCTC Apprenticeship Program can be a way to refine the skills of an existing employee. The program has also proved to be a great option for individuals seeking a career change, displaced workers, and retired veterans. WKCTC’s Registered Apprenticeship Services will serve as the liaison between the sponsor company and prospective apprentices. Companies can also reach out with their own candidates for the program.
Peter Sierra, the WKCTC Apprenticeship Coordinator, stated that “..we have the tools for success, but the company has to be the one to sign on..”. Peter Sierra, the individual behind the overwhelming achievements of the program, is actively involved with the entire process from start to finish.
WKCTC Apprenticeship Services uses a work-based service model, customizing the program for each company and student. The program addresses critical gaps within talent pipelines across the state. The program is an asset to local companies as they avoid colossal onboarding and training costs for new tradespeople. Instead of paying absurd out-of-state tuition costs, hiring apprentice managers and mentors, and risking losing the incoming worker within six months, the WKCTC Apprenticeship Program guarantees an employee during the length of their apprenticeship in the program. It provides mentorship/management while staying local.
Retention for the WKCTC program is also significantly higher for individuals in this community than out-of-state programs since the student is staying in a familiar area. The sponsor company also has the opportunity to train the apprentice, not only in the areas significant to the trade but in the areas most important to that specific company. This allows the program to graduate the finest and most qualified workers.
The goal of the Apprenticeship Program is to support local businesses in achieving workforce development goals by providing consistent and qualified workers. The success of the program is through coaching and proactive mentoring, which will advance apprentices along their academic and career tracks. The WKCTC Apprenticeship Program is continually recruiting companies and local businesses to participate in the program.
Please contact Peter Sierra at peter.sierra@kctcs.edu if you are interested or would like additional information on how to get involved.
