WASHINGTON —Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) marked the Obama administration’s first-ever National Apprenticeship Week, and called on Connecticut businesses to expand apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state. National Apprenticeship Week spans from November 1, 2015 to November 7, 2015. 

“When workers are trained to meet the needs of growing industries like manufacturing, health care, and technology, Connecticut thrives,” said Murphy. “Apprenticeships connect local businesses to the workers they need and help local workers land well-paying jobs and stable careers. They’re a smart way to grow our middle class and set our businesses up to succeed. Connecticut companies, like EDAC Technologies in Cheshire, are already offering apprenticeships and have seen increased revenues, higher sales, and less employee turnover because of it.” 

“For more than 78 years, apprenticeship has been an integral part of the national employment and training scene and locally it has helped to build Connecticut’s economy,” said State Labor Commissioner Sharon M. Palmer. “Workers, employers and teachers rely on this program to help train and prepare people for high-skilled careers that benefit our workforce and economy. Connecticut has seen a 29 percent increase in the number of registered apprentices training in the manufacturing sector this past year, and our agency plans to expand upon this success by enrolling approximately 1,000 more apprentices and pre-apprentices in high-demand industries that include business services, health care and advanced manufacturing.”

In Connecticut, financial assistance and funding are available to eligible companies that apply for a Registered Apprentice Program. Employers interested in establishing an apprenticeship program should visit the Connecticut Department of Labor’s website. 

Apprenticeship programs offer apprentices an education and a clear career path forward through new skills, higher wages, and opportunities for advancement. Apprentices earn an average starting annual salary of more than $50,000, and throughout their careers, they are estimated to earn an average of $300,000 more than their non-apprentice peers. The apprenticeship model also helps businesses increase productivity and profitability by tackling talent shortages and developing a pipeline of trained employees.