National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and Local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity.

Overarching Theme and Objectives

The following daily themes are meant to encourage national Registered Apprenticeship system partners to plan related events and special announcements so we can highlight them accordingly.

• Monday: Youth and Young Adult Apprenticeship Day
• Tuesday: Registered Apprenticeship in New and Emerging Industries and Around the Globe
• Wednesday: Expanding Registered Apprenticeship to Underserved Populations
• Thursday: Women in Apprenticeship
• Friday: Federal Apprenticeship and Veterans in Apprenticeship

Looking for a NAW Event in Pennsylvania? Use the interactive map to find an event in your area.

Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, the School Superintendents Association (AASA) developed a series of tools designed to inspire new Youth Apprenticeship programs. Check out the AASA Youth Apprenticeship Toolkit designed to help secondary and community college administrators advocate for and build apprenticeship programs.

Take a look at the toolkit!

Take a look at these great resources created by Scholastic through their Jobs of the Future publications:

Jobs of the Future: Inside Apprenticeships

Jobs of the Future: Soft Skills Activities

Jobs of the Future: Career Development Lessons

Highlighting our amazing youth this month who are immersing themselves in apprenticeship and work-based learning experiences offered by different organizations across the state.

One of Pennsylvania’s ongoing initiative efforts is the Pathways to Partnership Work-Based Learning Experience (PTP-WBLE) program. Pathways to Partnership allows students with disabilities to gain practical work experiences while still in school, equipping them with essential skills for post-secondary employment. The program centers around apprenticeship and work-based learning experiences by providing hands-on opportunities for students with disabilities to engage in real-world work environments, helping them develop practical job skills, explore career interests, and build confidence. These experiences are crucial for students as they prepare for the workforce, giving them the tools to navigate adult life independently.

Another announcement this month is the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry announced the launch of a new program through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The program is a new addition to the Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) and is designed to eliminate challenges faced by individuals with disabilities as they transition from subminimum wage to competitive integrated employment. The program will work with employers and job coaches to support individuals in the workplace. This serves as a transformative experience and opportunity for individuals with disabilities to succeed both in secondary transition and throughout life.

1. PA CareerLink®: The PA CareerLink website offers resources and information on apprenticeships, job training programs, and work-based learning opportunities. Youth can connect with local CareerLink offices for personalized assistance.

2. Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR): The OVR website provides information about services available to individuals with disabilities, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which encompass work-based learning experiences.

3. Project SEARCH: Youth can visit the Project SEARCH website to learn about internship programs that help students with disabilities transition from school to work. Local Project SEARCH programs often have specific information about opportunities in their regions.

4. Apprenticeship Pennsylvania: This initiative provides comprehensive information about registered apprenticeships in Pennsylvania. The website includes resources for youth to explore different apprenticeship options and find programs that match their interests.

5. Local High Schools and School Districts: Many school districts have dedicated transition coordinators who can provide information about work-based learning and apprenticeship programs available in the area. Students can talk to their school counselors for assistance.

6. YouthBuild Programs: YouthBuild is a national program that offers education and training for low-income youth. Local YouthBuild programs in Pennsylvania may provide work-based learning opportunities and information about apprenticeships.

7. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs: Many CTE programs in Pennsylvania offer work-based learning experiences and partnerships with local businesses. Students can inquire about CTE programs in their schools for additional opportunities.

8. Local Workforce Development Boards: These boards can provide information about local apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning programs tailored for youth. They often collaborate with community colleges and employers to create opportunities.

9. Trade Associations and Unions: Many trade associations and unions in Pennsylvania offer apprenticeship programs. Youth can explore these organizations to learn about specific trades and available apprenticeship opportunities.

10. Online Resources and Webinars: Various organizations provide online webinars, workshops, and resources focused on apprenticeships and work-based learning. Websites like the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Apprenticeship Training Foundation have valuable information.

Mathematica is looking for volunteers to do a quick, 10-minute survey, so they can learn more about the types of supports and programs available to young adults with disabilities. This information will help us understand how to best reach young people like you to help improve access to important services. Mathematica is an independent research company that was hired by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to conduct a survey on young adults with disabilities. Survey completers will receive a $15 gift card. Scan the QR code on the picture to access the survey.

PA CareerLink is a program that helps job seekers find jobs and employers find candidates. It's a part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and was launched in July 2012.

PA CareerLink offers a variety of services, including:

• Job seekers: Access support and benefits, tailor resumes, prepare for interviews, and find job openings
• Employers: Post job openings, attend hiring events, use recruitment services, and hire, train, and retain talent
• Laid off workers: Transition services
• Youth: Services to help young people gain experience and enter the labor market
• Online learning: Find apprenticeship and training opportunities, learn how the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) helps individuals with disabilities, and file an unemployment claim.

PA CareerLink offers support for apprenticeship in several ways, including:

• Finding programs: PA CareerLink can help people find registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in their area.
• Application assistance: PA CareerLink staff can help people apply for apprenticeship programs.
• Funding: PA CareerLink may be able to provide additional funding for apprenticeships.
• Resources: PA CareerLink can provide resources to support apprenticeship training.
• Awareness: The PA Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) works with PA CareerLink to build awareness of apprenticeships.
• Webinars: The ATO presents Apprenticeship 101 webinars.
• Navigator program: The ATO supports the Registered Apprenticeship Navigator program.

  
  

PA CareerLink also offers a free interview practice tool and a search engine that allows employers to browse for candidates by keyword, job title, industry, and location.

Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice.

Use the job finder feature to find jobs and apprenticeship programs in your area.

Jobs for the Future’s Center for Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning is a leader in expanding these proven models to new industries and professions. By supporting system and program designs, we connect a diverse population of youth and adults to quality jobs and enable businesses to develop workers with the skills they need to grow.

Learn more about the amazing work they are doing to promote Youth Apprenticeship opportunities!

Looking for a place where you can Connect, Collect, & Contribute

to all things secondary transition?

Connect with people from across our state to collect

resources, share events and contribute stories about positive post-school outcomes!

Click here to create an account and login to join our PA Secondary Transition- Public Square.

Bucks County Technical High School (BCTHS) is at the forefront of workforce development through the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Consortium of Bucks County. In partnership with the Bucks County Department of Workforce & Economic Development and esteemed industry leaders such as Philly Shipyard, Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Pennsylvania Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors, we are equipping our students with the essential skills, certifications, and tools to excel in high-demand trades.

Supported by the PAsmart grant, BCTHS offers five registered pre-apprenticeship programs in Welding, Electrical, Carpentry, Plumbing, and HVAC. These programs address the critical demand for skilled labor in Southeastern Pennsylvania while providing students with clear pathways to rewarding careers.

Our collaborations with industry organizations facilitate valuable opportunities for student engagement. Through career fairs and onsite and offsite visits, students interact with industry leaders, gaining insights into professional standards and workplace expectations.

The impact of our pre-apprenticeship programs is profound. Students receive hands-on experience that aligns with high-priority occupations and their respective apprenticeship tracks. They can earn industry-recognized certifications, such as AWS welding certifications, and purchase essential tools—like Dewalt miter saws and Milwaukee power tool sets—prior to graduation. This comprehensive preparation enhances their competitiveness in the job market.

A standout success story is Monica Bass, a pre-apprenticeship student in the Carpentry program. Through our work-based learning initiative, she connected with Gorski Engineering in Collegeville, PA, where she secured a full-time position and an entry into their apprenticeship program, illustrating the real-world opportunities our programs provide.

Our pre-apprenticeship initiatives empower students to expand their professional networks and access a wider array of career opportunities, effectively preparing them for the workforce. With industry-standard tools, recognized certifications, and practical skills, our graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of high-priority occupations in Pennsylvania.

At Bucks County Technical High School, we are committed to investing in our students' futures by providing them with the training and resources necessary for success. As we continue to enhance and expand our pre-apprenticeship programs, we remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of skilled tradespeople in our community.

Written By: Mark Holtzman, Assistant Administrative Director

Bucks County Technical High School

Pennsylvania's workforce development system boosts both businesses and workers. It helps them compete in the global, knowledge-based economy. The system improves employer competitiveness and innovation. It also prepares Pennsylvanians for well-paying jobs.

Check out their resources to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in PA!

The Raising Expectations for Academic Learning or REAL Certificate offers students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in a post-secondary academic-, vocational- and social inclusion-focused program. This two-year program includes auditing two undergraduate courses per semester and completion of a specified number of vocational and social experiences. Students have the option to live in residence halls or commute to campus. An individual plan for college participation is developed for each student.

Take a look at the information flyer below or visit their website to learn more.

Are you looking to learn more information about transition?

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders to provide effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.

Check out their Training Resource Library.

If you're new to transition, be sure to check out Transition 101!

WHEN: December 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM

WHERE: Zoom (Click Here to Register)

The PEAL Youth Team Presents: A Young Person’s Guide to Mental Health and Self-Care​

Join the webinar to learn more about:

-Mental health and its importance in your life

-Research and evidence-based practices about youth mental health

-Self-care practice that prioritizes mental health

-Implement mental health in an IEP and Transition Planning​

Are you looking for transition events across PA?

Don't forget to check the events calendar to stay up to date on all of the great events happening in PA and nationally related to secondary transition!

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults.

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a state leadership team consisting of representative from: the State Departments of Education, Health, Labor and Industry, and Human Services; Various Serving Agencies, Young Adults, Parent Organizations, Advocates, Higher Education, and Employers.

The shared vision and common goals of the Pennsylvania Community on Transition is achieved when all PA youth and young adults with disabilities:

• Successfully transition to the role of productive and participating adult citizens
• Are empowered to recognize their talents, strengths, and voice
• Have equal access to resources that will promote their full participation in the communities of their choice.

Email: pasecondarytransition@gmail.com
Website: https://www.pasecondarytransition.com/
Phone: 4128266878
Twitter: @hmangiskuntz