Apprenticeships In Washington Hit Record High

TUMWATER, WA — More Washingtonians are entering into apprenticeships than ever before, according to a new update from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Nov. 15-20 is Registered Apprenticeship Week in Washington state— and L&I says this is the best one yet.

“Apprenticeship programs are thriving across the state,” said Jody Robbins, Apprenticeship Program manager for L&I. “We’re encouraged to see a growing number of employers, educators, and other workforce partners get involved.”

According to their update, there were 21,710 apprentices in Washington between September 202 and August 2021. That means that, if apprentices were considered a higher-education "school" it would be the third-largest university in the state, just behind UW and WSU. L&I says that's good news, and means more Washingtonians are finding their ways into higher-paying skilled careers.

“Employers need a reliable talent pipeline and workers need pathways into rewarding careers,” Robbins said. “Registered apprenticeship programs provide an opportunity for employers and workers, boosting our entire economy.”

Currently, more than 5,000 employers across Washington are participating in 182 apprenticeship programs, training workers in nearly 250 occupations. Construction trades, like carpenter, ironworker, and electrician, remain the most popular for active participants, L&I said, but more and more apprentices are working in the high-tech, aerospace, and the medical assistant fields. The agency says that's partially because of recent grant funding, including a $1.3 million Aerospace Workforce Development Expansion Grant issued by L&I to the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and a $10 million grant to the Machinists Institute.

>> Learn more about apprenticeships in Washington from the state Department of Labor & Industries.