SFCC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

State Fair Community College recently recognized students and companies participating in apprenticeship programs in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

Apprenticeship Week was observed November 12 - 18.

SFCC says that National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration that offers students, education leaders and businesses a chance to demonstrate their support for apprenticeship. The week-long event highlights the benefits of apprenticeships to help prepare a skilled workforce to meet the needs of employers across varied industries.

People in apprenticeship programs have access to classroom and lab experiences with SFCC faculty, while working with a dedicated workplace mentor. The employer hires the apprentice, pays wages and benefits and pays for their education. Participants who complete the program earn nationally recognized credentials that certifies occupational proficiency and is transferable.

As part of the week, SFCC recognized apprenticeship students with goody bags during their classroom sessions on the Sedalia campus – Terry Wohlgemuth, Adolfo Suarez and Jerry Ronsley all of Marshall are apprentices at ConAgra. Apprentices at Stanley Black & Decker are Kevin Miller of Sedalia, Joshua Shute of Windsor, Ryan Armenta of Sedalia, Brandon Bartlett of Lincoln, and Jeremiah Brown of Marshall. Patrick Ekstrom and Anthony Jacobs both of Sedalia are apprentices at WireCo.

The United States Department of Labor reports that employers using an apprenticeship program achieve higher productivity and employee retention and a substantial return on investment.

People who want to learn more about apprenticeship programs at the college can visit sfccmo.edu/apprenticeships.

Spring semester begins January 14.