Weld County has proclaimed next week Apprenticeship Week to recognize the beneficial impact apprenticeship programs have on local employers and job seekers.

“Apprenticeships are the cornerstone of workforce development in Weld County,” Department of Human Services Deputy Director Tami Grant said in a news release. “These programs provide hands-on experiences, essential skills development and valuable job placement opportunities, paving the way to success for both youth and adults.” We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to fostering innovation, diversity and opportunity within our workforce system.

Weld County Employment Services is working with 14 local businesses to provide training and mentoring opportunities for the next generation of workers. The county has registered apprenticeship programs for careers in building and construction trades; life sciences, physical and social sciences; personal care and services and protective services.

Weld County Employment Services’ work with these apprenticeship programs has earned them the High Performing Board distinction from the Colorado Workforce Development Council for seven consecutive years and is the only board in the state to have done so, according to the press release.

“The apprenticeship program is very important for our young people. College is a path for some of them, but not for others. We need these people now who can be trained through apprenticeship programs to keep this great country and this great nation moving forward,” Commissioner Scott James said in the release.

For more information about job opportunities and resources offered by Weld County Employment Services, visit eswc.org.