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November 2023

Empowering Businesses through Apprenticeships

Imagine having a formula that could seamlessly attract, train, and retain high-caliber employees while ensuring a remarkable return on your recruitment investment. Believe it or not, this formula exists, and it is called registered apprenticeships.

While the roots of apprenticeships extend back to ancient Babylonia where artisans were required to pass on trade skills to the next generation, today’s apprenticeships have evolved to encompass a wide range of fields, including non-traditional sectors such as commercial driving, early childhood education, nursing and IT.

As we prepare to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week this November, we take immense pride in showcasing the accomplishments of our Lake Land apprentices and recognizing our business partners who make these opportunities possible. 

One of the key advantages of apprenticeships for business is their ability to expand the pool of potential candidates for available positions, allowing our companies to nurture talent from within the organization and local community. Employers can feel confident selecting candidates with great potential, knowing they will receive precise training tailored to their roles.

In the apprenticeship model, students reinforce their learning on our campus and apply their skills in real workplaces, collaborating with mentors. The symbiotic relationship between apprentices and mentors greatly contributes to the remarkable retention rates of apprenticeships, with more than 90% of apprentices staying on the job for at least three years after program completion, according to the Department of Labor.

When creating apprenticeships in collaboration with the Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry, businesses play a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum, ensuring that students acquire the skills necessary for success in their respective fields. Businesses generously cover students’ tuition and fees while providing them with wages. The return on investment is indeed impressive, with businesses typically realizing a return of $1.49 for every dollar invested, according to the Department of Labor.

The opportunities apprenticeships provide for students are truly invaluable. This hands-on approach equips them with skills directly applicable to their chosen career paths, resulting in a deep understanding of industry requirements and instilling the confidence to excel. Graduates earn a nationally recognized credential, and Lake Land College provides comprehensive support to help students succeed.

Supporting apprenticeships allows businesses to invest not only in individual success but also in growth and prosperity of local communities. Well-trained apprentices become skilled workers who drive regional economies, creating a win-win scenario for all.

With this model firmly established, Lake Land is actively seeking partners to expand apprenticeship opportunities to a younger population. By crafting youth apprenticeship programs tailored to our younger generation, we can ignite their interest in the diverse careers available within our communities.

Lake Land is devoted to championing apprenticeships and actively collaborates with local industries and businesses to develop programs aligned with evolving job market needs. The success stories emerging from our programs highlight the significant impact of apprenticeships, benefiting our graduates and contributing positively to our community and the businesses that employ them.

Director to the Center for Business & Industry Bonnie Moore and I look forward to discussing with you how apprenticeships can be a strategic choice that gives you a competitive edge in building a highly skilled workforce and a thriving community.