apprenticeships are increasing in kentucky

(The following is continued from the January 2025 NKY Works Newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here.)

The popularity and acceptance of apprenticeships as a career pathway for our young people began to wane at the end of the 20th Century as increasing numbers of high school students chose college degrees over apprenticeships. The tide is reversing, however, and apprenticeships are rising nationally, especially in Kentucky, which saw a record number of registered apprentices in 2023, as seen in the chart below.  

Over 1,500 occupations are recognized for apprenticeship programs in Kentucky. These programs go beyond traditional construction and skilled trade positions to encompass the jobs of tomorrow, such as aerospace engineer, physical therapy aide, office manager, and even whiskey specialist.  

Despite the surge in popularity, companies often express reservations about implementing apprenticeships. Their concerns tend to reflect a lack of information about how apprenticeships work.  

“Employers are concerned about the amount of paperwork required,” said NKY Works Director Correy Eimer. Eimer is also the Associate Director of Workforce Development at the Northern KY Area Development District and Director of the NKY Workforce Investment Board. “Recordkeeping is important, but there are many options for streamlining the process,” he said, including using an intermediary. An intermediary is an approved organization that helps businesses set up and administer their apprenticeship programs.  

Another misconception is about the benefits to the employer. “Sometimes employers tell us they see how an apprenticeship helps the worker, but they don’t see the benefit to the company,” Eimer said. 

There are many potential benefits for employers, starting with continuity and consistency in training new employees. “Well-trained employees result in improved productivity and profitability and a reduction in work-related injuries,” Eimer added. 

One local employer, Bray Construction Services, implemented an apprenticeship program this fall to help recruit and retain skilled talent. They now offer apprenticeships for construction laborers and commercial drivers. 

“We were having a hard time finding workers with the skills we need,” said Dave Trimble, who administers Bray’s programs. “We decided to grow our own by offering apprenticeships. We have 10 new employees who will be registered in January.” 

Trimble believes the structure, training curriculum, and increased attention from job supervisors will help their apprentices master skills faster and increase their retention with the company.  

“The program proves how invested Bray is in their success. We pay our apprentices while they are in the related trades training portion of the program.” He said this also prevents seasonal layoffs that Bray’s workers formerly experienced in the winter months.  

One of Bray’s 10 apprentices shows how work-based learning opportunities can work together to put a student on a successful career path. 

“This young man was a carpentry student at the Campbell County Area Technology Center. He did a co-op with us in his senior year, working in our shop,” Trimble said. “Once he graduated from Dayton High School, he accepted a full-time job as a general laborer. This year, he completed his CDL (commercial driver’s license) through our in-house training program. Now he will complete our two-year construction laborer apprenticeship. After that, he will be in a great position to assume more responsibility as he continues to grow with our company. He could become a foreman within a few years and then a supervisor. The future is bright for this young man.” 

NKY Works encourages companies to explore apprenticeships as part of their talent attraction and retention efforts. We are available to talk about your specific workforce needs and options for an apprenticeship program. To schedule a meeting, contact NKY Works at 859.657.WRKS  (9757) or NKYWorks@NKADD.org.