Celebrating 10 Years of National Apprenticeship Week

As National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2024 approaches, the Building Performance Association (BPA) is excited to honor its 10th anniversary. NAW is a nationwide celebration that brings together employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, education providers, and government leaders to show support for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).

From November 17th to 23rd, 2024, BPA will join the Office of Apprenticeship and partners in celebrating the theme, 10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation, reflecting the impact of Registered Apprenticeships on jobseekers and employers. This theme illustrates the power of Registered Apprenticeships to bring together key national, regional, state, and local stakeholders across the country to meet critical workforce needs.

Growth and Success of National Apprenticeship Week

Since its inception in 2014, NAW has helped broaden public awareness of Registered Apprenticeships with the following accomplishments:

• Over 2.4 million new Registered Apprentices representing over 90% growth 
• A total of 23,729 new RAPs
• Increased percentages of active apprentices from underrepresented populations, including:
  • 225% more women
  • 97.5% more people representing communities of color 
  • 126.9% more young people ages 16 through 24
  • 3,825% more individuals with disabilities
  • 42% more veterans

What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?

A RAP is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience and a nationally recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are a proven model for increasing productivity, reducing turnover, and ensuring a steady supply of qualified employees.

RAPs are validated to meet the standards defined by the U.S. Department of Labor and a state apprenticeship agency.

Celebrating Apprenticeships in 2024

For its 10th anniversary, NAW will use daily themes throughout the week to honor specific groups that contribute to the success of RAPs across industries.

Image courtesy of the Office of Apprenticeship within the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Apprenticeships in Clean Energy

The Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network is a national coalition of industry, training, and workforce development leaders. Its goal is to expand and diversify Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in the clean energy industries.

As an apprenticeship sponsor designated by the ACE Network, BPA assists employers in creating apprenticeship programs and registering them with the U.S. Department of Labor. BPA collaborates with training providers to deliver necessary instruction and training to help apprentices obtain notable certifications and thrive in their roles. Currently, BPA is an approved apprenticeship sponsor in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

To support these efforts, BPA has developed an Energy Specialist Apprenticeship Program model that employers can adopt and customize to fit their needs. This model outlines a plan for workforce training management and related technical instruction to prepare apprentices to become home energy auditors, analysts, technicians, and specialists.

“BPA is excited to kick off our Energy Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program with multiple employers to bring growth and development to the energy efficiency sector and make an impact in underrepresented communities. I am particularly excited about expanding career opportunities within energy efficiency that will support sector growth and lead to healthier and more efficient homes across the United States. In addition to providing a lucrative career pathway, the Energy Specialist Registered Apprenticeship is an exceptional tool for assisting energy efficiency and other related trade-based small businesses and contractors to increase services and solidify the sector as a whole. Ultimately, it jumpstarts BPA’s ability to advocate for increased education and outreach in the overall benefits of energy efficiency and the importance of industry-recognized credentials. BPA is committed to supporting employers with recruitment and on-boarding of apprentices and providing technical assistance of program oversight that will allow employers to concentrate on day to day operations of their businesses.” – Brook Vernon, Workforce Development Programs Manager

Contact Brook Vernon if you are a clean energy employer interested in taking the next step to launch your own apprenticeship program.