JBLM transitioning services will be conducting multiple apprenticeship job fairs this year on Camp Murray for transitioning members, veterans, and their families to provide information and networking opportunities for those interested in technical trade employment. These jobs are living wage positions and many will result in positions making 60k or more a year once training is complete. Washington is currently one of the fastest growing states in America and there is a huge demand for technical trades and employers want to hire veterans and their family members. Those interested in learning more about apprenticeship are invited to attend the first of these job fairs on Camp Murray at Building 91 from 0900-1200 on 18 April 2018.
These events provide an opportunity to hear from and ask questions to a multitude of subject matter experts in their field on a panel, hear more about GI Bill® benefits, and to look at what industry-specific employment opportunities are available. These Apprenticeship Job Fairs partner attendees with training directors, employers, and apprenticeship coordinators from various industries in Washington State with the common goal of getting veterans employed. Hearing from various industry experts and employers can be an influential advantage for attendees.
After hearing about the GI Bill® and hearing from the panelists attendees and apprenticeship representatives will conduct a speed networking event where you will have the opportunity to talk to everyone apprenticeship program in the room and learn about employment opportunities.
Construction is the majority of the apprenticeships but there are apprenticeships available in many other industries and they are growing at a very fast rate. Other industries with available apprenticeships include aerospace manufacturing, information technology, safety, cosmetology, and culinary. Other industries, such as banking, claims, nursing, clean energy, and human resources are looking at adopting the apprenticeship model.
Many industries are starting to get on board with utilizing apprenticeships as there is national focus on expanding this labor development model. At the national level the goal is to increase the number of apprentices from one million nationwide to five million over the next five years. This goal has increased the number and type of employers starting apprenticeship program. For those looking at shifting into another career in an area they may not have experience in, this is a great opportunity. Plus it is designed where there is no expectation of prior experience and you have a mentor for the first several years while you are learning the job. At the end of this experience you are typically making anywhere from 60k-100k a year.
To learn more about upcoming apprenticeship job fairs to include the April 18th event contact either Megan Clark at megan@anewaop.org or Rachel Roberts at rachelr@dva.wa.gov.