Dr. Don Wilson educated Rotarians on the availability and benefits of registered apprenticeships through the Canadian Valley Technology Center.The Rotary Club of Chickasha met Thursday, March 28, 2024. Rotarian Mitch Williams led the club in singing "Workin' for a Livin' ".
During committee reports, President-Elect Lewis Knisley reminded Rotary Run sponsors that invoices have been sent, and to have them turned in to Rotary Run Chair Gerron Smith or Treasurer Mitch Willaims as soon as possible.
As Rotarian of the Day, Scott Smith introduced his speaker, Dr. Don Wilson. Wilson is over the Apprenticeship Outreach Program at Canadian Valley Technology Center (CV Tech).
The objective of the program, Wilson stated early on, was to offer students and adults a way to "earn while you learn." Wilson himself has spent over 30 years in education and has been in his current position for more than a year. He said that in his current job, he sees himself as "a change agent."
"Apprenticeships are not new," Wilson explained, "they've been around as long as there have been trades." Certain trades, such as electrical work, still use formal apprenticeship structures, but in many trades, apprenticeships ceased to be along with organized labor. Wilson stressed that CV Tech's program is not intended to encroach on existing programs, but is designed instead to fill these labor skill gaps.
The program at CV Tech is structured through the U.S. Department of Labor's registered apprenticeship program. These apprenticeships "give credit to people for things that they already know"—participants with prior education or training can count it towards their progress upon entry. Wilson explained that many employers "don't have time to wait" for students to complete traditional training; they often need to fill positions urgently. By taking on apprentices, they can train employees even as they contribute to the company. In the process, they become trained in the specific processes or technology used by the employer, and become accustomed to the company culture. Wilson noted that building culture can be a key element of employee retention.
The program is available to high school students, adults seeking new employment, or employees seeking to advance their current skills. Registered apprenticeships are more in-depth and long-term than most work-based learning opportunities, requiring a minimum of one to two years, but can continue even longer. Program participants generally spent the majority of their time onsite at the employer, while spending some time in a classroom setting.
Lunch was provided by Ben & Jay's Pizzeria.