RESOLUCION DIRECTORAL Nº 102-2008-PRODUCE-DGEPP

A. Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Boards must include a description of how the Board will encourage Registered Apprenticeship programs in its workforce area to register with the Eligible Training Provider System in order to receive WIOA funding.

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Industry-aligned partnerships such as apprenticeships are some of the strategies that WFS Cameron will utilize to increase employer participation. As a service strategy for employers, WFS Cameron applied for and was successfully awarded an ApprenticeshipTexas Expansion grant to increase the number of apprentices in Cameron County. Additionally, under this grant award, WFS Cameron was able to successfully partner with a local training provider to develop a new Registered Apprenticeship program in plumbing and an electrical pre-apprenticeship program. WFS Cameron began collaborating with existing registered apprenticeship programs in the county to coordinate and leverage program services and opportunities available under the workforce system. Through this collaboration, apprenticeship programs experience, firsthand, the benefits of partnering with the workforce system through up-front screening and referral of potential participants, and the availability of supportive services for these participants. Newly formed Registered Apprenticeships have been informed and encouraged to apply for automatic eligibility under the Eligible Training Provider system as outlined in WD 17-19 and WD 05-19. Additionally, the Registered Apprenticeship have been notified about:

• Availability of technical assistance for accessing ETP system,

• Availability of technical assistance for applying and submitting program applications, and • Availability of Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) for WIOA eligible program

participants.

Since this automatic eligibility streamlines the application process, Registered Apprenticeship programs may be more willing to apply under the Eligible Training Provider system. In an effort to expand participation with the workforce system, the Board will outline the benefits of co- enrolling participants into WIOA for the leveraging of funding to sustain apprenticeship training due to the Chapter 133 funding limitations. WIOA funds may support either a part of the classroom training cost or the work-based training through an On-the-Job training activity. The Board continues to stress the benefits of participating under the ETP system to Apprenticeships for the purpose of promoting industry recognized credentials from these trainings offerings, as well as, career pathways opportunities for targeted populations.

B. ApprenticeshipTexas

Boards must include a description of the Board’s strategy and commitment to support ApprenticeshipTexas efforts across the state, as applicable.

WFS Cameron will support Apprenticeship Texas through various strategies including those outlined in the above response to increase apprenticeship training in Cameron County. WFS Cameron has fully committed to supporting the ApprenticeshipTexas initiative by applying for and successfully securing an ApprenticeshipTexas Expansion grant to expand the number of apprenticeship programs to increase the number of apprentices in Cameron County. Under the current grant award, WFS Cameron was able to partner with a local training provider to successfully develop a new Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in plumbing and an electrical pre-apprenticeship program.

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This training model has been effectively promoted to the business community as an alternative strategy in developing a skilled workforce in high demand occupations. Since apprenticeships are structured occupational training programs, the board will outline the benefits of combining on-the- job training and related instruction so workers may learn practical and conceptual skills required for a skilled occupation in a craft or trade while working and earning a paycheck. The Board will also explore pre-apprenticeship opportunities for youth with local school districts to promote potential career pathways, in support of the required youth program elements which includes pre- apprenticeship training. Work experience is a funding priority on which at least 20% of local youth allocation must be spent.

Additionally, the Board will coordinate referral and training opportunities with Job Corp since they recognize apprenticeship as a career pathway. Furthermore, the Board has strengthened its long-term partnership with YouthBuild and continues to support their pre-apprenticeship training in the construction industry. This will be essential as the Board attempts to support the development of additional RAPs in construction. The Business Services Unit (BSU) will also play an important role in supporting the ApprenticeshipTexas effort in Cameron County. BSU will be tasked with promoting the development of apprenticeship training by informing business that:

• Registered Apprenticeship can be as short as one year,

• Apprenticeship programs are available in various industries and occupations, • Components of an apprenticeship program are very flexible (e.g., many models), • Opportunity exists to develop highly skilled workers,

• Apprenticeship training can reduce turnover,

• Apprenticeship training can increase productivity, and that • A national credential is awarded through apprenticeship training.

The Board will coordinate training with the state office so that businesses can obtain a better insight into the benefits of apprenticeships. The services and training sought may include:

• Training staff, including case managers and business service reps (BSRs), on apprenticeship training

• Developing an effective outreach plan, • Developing new apprenticeship programs,

• Assisting in marketing Registered Apprenticeships,

• Obtaining technical assistance to learn about enrollments, exits and other operational details, and

• Providing on-going support and services.

WFS Cameron will promote ApprenticeshipTexas on our website and utilize the BSU to highlight this initiative at appropriate business functions. Additionally, the Board will set up workgroups to explore nontraditional industries for the expansion and development of apprenticeship training. Some of the targeted populations for this initiative include youth, women, veterans, ex-offenders, and individuals with disabilities. Innovative strategies that were proposed include competency- based training and distance learning. Core components of RAPs are listed below and will be promoted to employers to educate and possibly expand apprenticeship training:

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• Employer Involvement,

• Structured On the Job Training (OJT) and On The Job Learning (OJL) component with mentoring,

• Related Training and Instruction (RTI), and • National Occupational Credential.

RAPs will also be promoted to job seekers utilizing the workforce center so that they may explore all training opportunities available and entice them to try out this training model and take advantage of the following apprenticeship inducements:

• Career pathways to higher skills/wages,

• Nationally recognized credentials and potential to earn college credit, • Immediate employment to increase skills and earnings, and

• Connection to the workforce system for supportive services opportunities, and • A nationally portable, industry‐recognized certification.

Supporting ApprenticeshipTexas will undoubtedly improve our performance outcomes because participants can begin working and earning wages since Day One. There is a high retention rate for apprenticeship training completers, and this training supports measurable skills gained under WIOA.

It is worthy to note that WFS Cameron recently filed a second application for a new ApprenticeshipTexas Expansion grant in January, 2021. This new application, if awarded, will add 195 new apprentices to our construction trades workforce in two (2) new apprenticeship occupations, and expand apprenticeships in existing RAP programs.

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