Chattanooga 2.0 and community partners will award four local employers with $10,000 to put toward the development of a new youth apprenticeship program at their organization.
By Walton Robinson, Executive Director, Hamilton County-Chattanooga Apprenticeship Hub
Chattanooga 2.0 in partnership with Apprenticeship Works announced the recipients of $40,000 in funds to create new youth apprenticeship programs in Chattanooga at an event on Monday, May 6. The event is a kick-off to the celebration of Youth Apprenticeship Week 2024, with additional events throughout the rest of the week.
Expanding on the achievements of National Apprenticeship Week, Youth Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide observance spotlighting the advantages and significance of registered apprenticeship programs tailored to ages 16 to 24. These programs enable youth to earn competitive salaries while gaining pertinent training and hands-on experience to kick-start their professional journeys.
Over the past two months, Apprenticeship Works has been collecting applications for its apprenticeship program funding. At the May 6th kick-off event, four local employers were awarded $10,000 each to support the creation of new youth apprenticeship programs for their organization. These programs will benefit the city of Chattanooga in more ways than one:
For youth apprentices, apprenticeships provide the opportunity to earn competitive wages while also gaining valuable skills and on-the-job experience. Youth apprentices get a head start on in-demand careers and even have the chance to earn college credit.
For employers, apprenticeships help to grow a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Apprentices also have a higher retention rate—with an average of 95% of apprentices still on the job after five years. Companies in critical industries are increasingly turning to apprenticeships as a way to grow their talent.
Organizations Awarded:
We encourage you to celebrate with us this week as we continue to highlight the importance and benefits of registered youth apprenticeship programs in Chattanooga:
Apprenticeship Discovery for Students
Local students gain meaningful insight into the apprenticeship experience by hearing from and engaging with current apprentices, former/graduate apprentices and local employers who host apprentices.
- Open To HCS Students & Staff Only!
Apprenticeship Discovery for Parents
What’s next for your student after graduation? Apprenticeship is a great learn-and-earn option! Join other parents at Brainerd HS at 5pm to learn more about modern apprenticeship opportunities for youth preparing for graduation!
- Date: Thursday, May 9th, 2025 PM
- Time: 5 PM
- Location: 1020 N Moore Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Winning the Talent Game: The Competitive Advantage of Modern Apprenticeships
Businesses of all sizes are utilizing modern apprenticeships to fulfill their talent needs. Join us to hear directly from local business leaders who have started registered apprenticeship programs to build out their teams! Representatives from Unum, EPB, and AlloHire will be at this lunch-and-learn event at the Hamilton County INCubator.
- Date: Friday, May 10, 2024
- Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM ET
- Location: 100 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
- Details: Lunch is free with RSVP!
