Desperate for skilled workers, a furniture maker looks to apprenticeships
2 days ago
- #manufacturing
- #workforce-development
- #apprenticeships
- Caleb Moss, a Virco Manufacturing employee, is part of a three-year apprenticeship program combining work and education to fill workforce gaps.
- President Trump aims to increase U.S. apprenticeships to 1 million, building on bipartisan support for registered apprenticeships that meet strict government standards.
- Federal funding has expanded apprenticeships by 80% in the last decade, particularly in healthcare and IT, but investment levels remain below those of countries like Germany.
- The Trump administration allocated $35.8 million to boost manufacturing apprenticeships, with Arkansas leading the initiative, offering $3,500 incentives per new apprentice.
- Apprenticeships face challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient funding, but advocates argue they yield high ROI by reducing turnover and reliance on social programs.
- Companies like Virco are expanding apprenticeships to train workers for high-tech roles amid retirements and labor shortages, highlighting the program's long-term benefits.