The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio released its position paper, “Strengthening Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Pathways in Southwest Ohio,” following a Sept. 26 briefing that convened employers, educators and elected officials to address the region’s workforce challenges.
The briefing, co-hosted with Easterseals Redwood, highlighted the growing demand for earn-and-learn models that combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. According to ApprenticeOhio, Hamilton County currently has 35 sponsors supporting 2,785 apprentices in industries such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Research shows that program completers gain nearly a six-figure lifetime earnings advantage over similar non-participants.
Pam Green, president and CEO of Easterseals Redwood, said, “In today’s tight job market, employers are struggling to find and keep skilled workers. As older generations of the workforce prepare to retire, there aren’t enough younger workers to fill their spots. Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships offer a powerful advantage by allowing people to earn while they learn, gaining skills for in-demand careers without the burden of student loan debt.”
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