Latest news with #NationalApprenticeshipDay
Business Wire
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
MITER Brands Celebrates Team Member Awarded Florida Apprentice of the Year
NORTH VENICE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MITER Brands, a residential window and door manufacturer, recently celebrated team member Andrew Clark, who was bestowed the 2024 Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year award, with an event held at the company's PGT Windows and Doors location in North Venice, Fla. The celebration was in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Day on April 30. MITER Brands recently celebrated team member Andrew Clark, who was bestowed the 2024 Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year award, with an event held at the company's PGT Windows and Doors location in North Venice, Florida. The honor was awarded by FloridaMakes, a statewide, industry-led public-private partnership with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida's economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector. The award is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their professional development and who have gone above and beyond their normal duties and taken on additional responsibilities, including encouraging others to consider manufacturing as a career. 'This recognition isn't just about technical skills, it's about work ethic, initiative, and impact,' said Marcelo Dossantos, Director of Workforce Development for FloridaMakes. 'At a time when manufacturers across the country are facing workforce shortages and a growing skills gap, upskilling workers through apprenticeship programs is not only a talent development strategy, but also a key retention strategy.' On Thursday, May 1, MITER Brands held a celebratory event and luncheon to recognize and congratulate Clark. More than 25 individuals were in attendance, including representatives from FloridaMakes, Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA), and CareerSource Suncoast. Also present at the event were Luis Laracuente, Senator Rick Scott's District Director for the Tampa Bay Region, Steven Seville, Apprenticeship and Training Representative for the Department of Education, and Matt DeSoto, CEO of MITER Brands. 'At MITER Brands, we're building the next generation of master tradespeople,' said Matt Desoto, CEO of MITER Brands. 'We have young, talented individuals who take pride in their work, want to grow, and have a desire to use their skills to advance the business. Andrew and apprentices like him are exactly the kind of talent we're proud to have and continue to look for to help us carry American manufacturing forward.' With Clark's recent accolade, this marks the third consecutive year that a member of MITER's apprenticeship program was acknowledged by FloridaMakes. In 2023, MITER Brands team member William Merriman won the Apprentice of the Year award, and in 2022, MITER Brands team member Brentyn Szalbirak was awarded Apprentice of the Year. At the event, Merriman and Szalbirak were also recognized for their achievements and graduation from their respective apprenticeships. Both are now certified Journeymen for PGT's Tool and Die program. 'Innovation is more than just a word in our MITER Brands name or the new products we engineer,' said Chris Davis, Vice President of Operations at MITER Brands. 'It shows up in how we grow our teams, strengthen our culture, and invest in the future. Our apprenticeship program is a perfect example of this spirit of innovation at work — thinking differently, acting boldly, and building something that lasts.' MITER Brand's apprenticeship program, sponsored by CareerSource Suncoast, launched in 2018 for the Tool and Die Department. The program aims to build interest and awareness in manufacturing career opportunities, placing MITER Brands at the forefront of innovative ways to invest in its team members. Registered apprenticeship programs must be designed, developed, and then approved by the Florida Department of Education before they can operate. Following its strong success in the Tool and Die department, MITER Brands' apprenticeship program has now been expanded to include the Maintenance Department at its PGT location. About MITER Brands Founded in 1947, MITER Brands is a residential window and door manufacturer that produces a portfolio of window and door brands for the new construction and replacement segments with an owner-operated, family-first approach. With more than 20 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, MITER Brands is a nationwide supplier of precision-built and energy-efficient products. Through optimized manufacturing, valued relationships, and dedicated team members coast to coast, MITER Brands instills confidence and drives quality customer experiences. For more information, visit
Globe and Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding Hosts 'Signing Day' for Shipbuilder Academy Graduates
PASCAGOULA, Miss., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII's (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding hosted a 'signing day' for the 2025 graduates of its Shipbuilder Academy at the shipyard Wednesday. This year, 43 students were offered full-time positions at Ingalls, marking the beginning of their careers with HII. The 'signing day' coincided with National Apprenticeship Day, recognizing the importance of connecting individuals to meaningful careers and assisting employers in building a skilled workforce. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and classroom instruction, participants in the Ingalls Shipbuilding Academy (ISA) gain invaluable experience that prepares them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a shipbuilding career. 'Through the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy, we are developing the next generation of skilled professionals in the shipbuilding industry,' Anna Bourdais, director of the Maritime Training Center of Excellence at Ingalls Shipbuilding. 'These students have taken an important step toward meaningful careers, and we are incredibly proud of their growth, commitment and their future as part of the Ingalls team.' Photos accompanying this release are available at: During the signing ceremony, among parents and special guests, the high school seniors were honored in a way similar to traditional athletic signing ceremonies. Each student received and signed a contingent offer of employment, highlighting the position they will hold at Ingalls upon graduation. Many will join the company as apprentice helpers in crafts such as welders, painters, joiners, pipefitters and electricians. For students like Tommie Bettis, a senior from Moss Point High School, in Mississippi, the ISA program has opened the door for a dream career as a structural welder. 'It means so much to me to be signing with Ingalls, and I'm really thankful to my teachers for guiding me toward this career,' Bettis said. 'I'm excited to keep growing as a welder and to see how far I can take my skills.' Randi Vickers, a senior from Alma Bryant High School, in Alabama, said signing on with Ingalls made the day especially meaningful, as it allows her to continue her family's long-standing tradition of working in skilled trades. 'I come from a family of welders and electricians, so I'm proud to carry that tradition on as a welder at Ingalls,' Vickers said. 'Being able to tell people I weld, and that I will be building ships, is something I'm proud of. I like being able to tell people I do that.' Since 2016, over 450 students have graduated from the Shipbuilder Academy, allowing Ingalls to proactively invest in local workforce pipelines that are preparing young individuals for careers at the shipyard. The success of the program comes from the partnerships Ingalls has with 13 different high schools along the Gulf Coast including Biloxi, Gulfport, West Harrison, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Pascagoula, Gautier, Moss Point, East Central, Vancleave, St. Martin, Ocean Springs and Alma Bryant. In addition to establishing the Shipbuilder Academy, Ingalls also supports technical programs at three local high schools: Pascagoula, Moss Point and Alma Bryant. These initiatives provide students with the opportunity to build a solid future for themselves while nurturing a talent pipeline of future shipbuilders. By investing in education and workforce development, Ingalls reaffirms its commitment to building both ships and careers in the Gulf Coast region. For more information about careers at Ingalls shipbuilding visit, About HII HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII's mission is to deliver the world's most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world. As the nation's largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII's workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit: Contact: 228-355-5663
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding Hosts 'Signing Day' for Shipbuilder Academy Graduates
PASCAGOULA, Miss., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII's (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding hosted a 'signing day' for the 2025 graduates of its Shipbuilder Academy at the shipyard Wednesday. This year, 43 students were offered full-time positions at Ingalls, marking the beginning of their careers with HII. The 'signing day' coincided with National Apprenticeship Day, recognizing the importance of connecting individuals to meaningful careers and assisting employers in building a skilled workforce. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and classroom instruction, participants in the Ingalls Shipbuilding Academy (ISA) gain invaluable experience that prepares them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a shipbuilding career. 'Through the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy, we are developing the next generation of skilled professionals in the shipbuilding industry,' Anna Bourdais, director of the Maritime Training Center of Excellence at Ingalls Shipbuilding. 'These students have taken an important step toward meaningful careers, and we are incredibly proud of their growth, commitment and their future as part of the Ingalls team.'Photos accompanying this release are available at: During the signing ceremony, among parents and special guests, the high school seniors were honored in a way similar to traditional athletic signing ceremonies. Each student received and signed a contingent offer of employment, highlighting the position they will hold at Ingalls upon graduation. Many will join the company as apprentice helpers in crafts such as welders, painters, joiners, pipefitters and electricians. For students like Tommie Bettis, a senior from Moss Point High School, in Mississippi, the ISA program has opened the door for a dream career as a structural welder. 'It means so much to me to be signing with Ingalls, and I'm really thankful to my teachers for guiding me toward this career,' Bettis said. 'I'm excited to keep growing as a welder and to see how far I can take my skills.' Randi Vickers, a senior from Alma Bryant High School, in Alabama, said signing on with Ingalls made the day especially meaningful, as it allows her to continue her family's long-standing tradition of working in skilled trades. 'I come from a family of welders and electricians, so I'm proud to carry that tradition on as a welder at Ingalls,' Vickers said. 'Being able to tell people I weld, and that I will be building ships, is something I'm proud of. I like being able to tell people I do that.' Since 2016, over 450 students have graduated from the Shipbuilder Academy, allowing Ingalls to proactively invest in local workforce pipelines that are preparing young individuals for careers at the shipyard. The success of the program comes from the partnerships Ingalls has with 13 different high schools along the Gulf Coast including Biloxi, Gulfport, West Harrison, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Pascagoula, Gautier, Moss Point, East Central, Vancleave, St. Martin, Ocean Springs and Alma Bryant. In addition to establishing the Shipbuilder Academy, Ingalls also supports technical programs at three local high schools: Pascagoula, Moss Point and Alma Bryant. These initiatives provide students with the opportunity to build a solid future for themselves while nurturing a talent pipeline of future shipbuilders. By investing in education and workforce development, Ingalls reaffirms its commitment to building both ships and careers in the Gulf Coast region. For more information about careers at Ingalls shipbuilding visit, About HII HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII's mission is to deliver the world's most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world. As the nation's largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII's workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit: HII on the web: HII on Facebook: HII on X: HII on Instagram: Contact: Kimberly K. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Business Journals
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Now is the time to implement and scale apprenticeships — here's why
April 30 was recognized across the country as National Apprenticeship Day. As an alternative to postsecondary degrees or professional certifications, which can be cost-prohibitive for many, it is time to fully expand apprenticeships in our country. According to survey results released in January by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee's Haslam School of Business, 66.2% of business leaders in the state answered 'no' to the question, 'Is there an ample supply of local workers who are appropriately trained for your employment needs?' Of the 167 million people in the U.S. workforce, 62% do not have a postsecondary degree — meaning 103 million people are not being fully recognized for the talent and skill they've already developed through work. As many as two-thirds of jobs in the future are expected to require postsecondary credentials, either an industry-recognized certification or academic degree. Apprenticeship programs, also known as work-based learning, allow individuals to earn income by working, learn from mentors in the workplace and classroom, and receive an employer credential while taking on little to no student debt. They offer significant value by developing both technical skills and essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in the modern workplace. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and can help develop a strong work ethic, making apprentices highly desirable to employers. The United States armed forces recognize the value of apprenticeships, having created the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program to help active duty, reserve and guard members improve their job skills and earn recognition equal to their civilian counterparts. Many college degree programs do not include a work-based learning component in the curriculum, which could create a gap for students who lack prior direct-related work experience. According on an article in Forbes, the U.K. and Germany have developed 'apprenticeship degree' programs as one solution. According to the same Forbes article, in 2022, Tennessee became the first state to receive Department of Labor approval for a partnership program between Austin Peay State University and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. Tennessee led the way for the 45 states (plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) that now have Department of Labor approval to offer teacher apprenticeship programs. Craft Education, a Nashville-based technology platform that integrates work-based learning experiences to expand degree apprenticeship programs, states that the five keys to apprenticeship degrees are efficiency, flexibility, relevance, affordability and professional capital. The challenge for many apprenticeship programs is how to document the hours worked and skills learned by the apprentice. Western Governors University recently acquired Craft Education in its endeavor to develop, launch and scale work-based learning pathways. Apprenticeship programs present a win-win scenario for employers and employees. Employers can help fill their workforce needs by training, retaining and promoting their own trusted employees. Employees get paid, fill the 'experience gap' missing from most degree programs, learn from experienced mentors and supervisors, and take on little to no student debt. This model is the best pathway for adult learners who usually have to work at a job of some kind while they pursue higher education. Employers, educators and career seekers can learn more about the value of apprenticeships at
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Here's how to apply for Milwaukee County Transit System's first-ever apprenticeship programs
For the first time in its history, Milwaukee County Transit System is launching new apprenticeships this year and has already hired more than two dozen people for the program, the agency announced April 30. In honor of National Apprenticeship Day in Wisconsin, MCTS launched a new mechanics and operator apprenticeship program. The program launches as Wisconsin reports a record number of registered apprentices across the state with more than 17,000 participants in 2024, according to a news release. "As a leader in developing workforce development programs in the transit industry, our Union knows these programs are critical in preparing transit workers for the challenges on the job and helping them to advance careers,' said ATU International President John Costa in a statement. Here's what you need to know about the new apprenticeship programs. RELATED: Milwaukee County Transit System managing director steps down Apprentices can join a new 18-month registered program for mechanics, where after they can move into mechanic positions at MCTS, according to the release. Curriculum includes hands-on learning and mentorship at MCTS. The transit organization will also supply each mechanic apprentice with a set of tools valued at $4,000, which they will own after the completion of the program. Each mechanic apprentice will earn between $30 to $44 per hour, depending on their position. Trainers will also receive an additional $4 per hour on top of their current wage while teaching apprentices. Additionally, MCTS is also offering a 12-month registered apprenticeship program for new bus operators. Each operator apprentice will be assigned a mentor, who will be a current employee with at least three years experience. Each bus operator apprentice will earn $24.40 per hour, which is the same as a first-year bus operator. Both receive benefits, including a pension. This spring, MCTS hired two mechanic apprentices and 25 bus operator apprentices. You can find more information at To apply for the bus operator apprenticeship program visit MCTS starts screening in July and will start the bus operator program in the fall. The link will be posted later to the mechanic applications, confirmed spokesperson Anna Schryver. MCTS hopes to expand the mechanic apprenticeship program and will open applications in early 2026. RELATED: Ridership of Milwaukee's streetcar The Hop sees slight uptick in passengers compared to previous year: Inside the data This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MCTS launches first-ever mechanic, bus operator apprenticeships
