National Apprenticeship Week

Business owners, elected officials and union leaders will come together Wednesday to recognize the importance of apprenticeship programs in East Central Illinois as part of the annual National Apprenticeship Week.

An open house is set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at UA Local 149, 1005 N. Dunlap Ave., Savoy. Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen and Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin are among those expected to attend and both will take part in a hands-on welding demonstration, with guidance from Local 149 apprentices.

“Across the county, including right here in Urbana, there is a growing demand for highly-skilled laborers,” Mayor Marlin said. “Apprenticeships like those provided by Local 149 are an incomparable way to begin a career while actively learning a valuable trade.”

The U.S. Department of Labor began the apprenticeship week to recognize the importance of safety and training programs offered, which provide local employers with a more skilled workforce. Local 149 apprentices spend five years learning as they are earning, as they spend 240 hours in class and 1,700 hours on the job every year. They make $20.75 an hour on day one, with guaranteed raises each year to $39.20 at five years, before jumping to a total hourly package of $66.38 an hour as a Journeyman.

The open house will also serve as an opportunity for local students to learn more about a high-paying career in the trades and to apply to join the apprentice program.

“Apprenticeships provide training and talent development, providing a career pathway for our future workforce,” Mayor Feinen said.

What: National Apprenticeship Week open house
When: 5-7pm Wednesday Nov. 17
Where: UA Local 149, 1005 N. Dunlap Ave. Savoy, IL
Visuals: Mayor Feinen and Mayor Marlin and will present proclamations, then don safety gear and take part in welding demonstrations with apprentices
For more information: Steve Patterson, steve@arrowstrategygroup.com