National Apprenticeship Week

Florida Rural Water Association recognizes the urgent need to prepare and maintain an inclusive, diverse and highly skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the industry we serve and fortifying our economy.

Registered Apprenticeship programs enable employers to develop and train their future workforce while offering career seekers affordable paths to secure high-paying jobs; and

Florida Rural Water Association recognizes the role of Registered Apprenticeship in expanding opportunities in our workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality, thus providing a path for all qualified individuals, including women, youth, people of color, rural communities, justice-involved individuals and individuals with disabilities, to become apprentices and contribute to America’s industries.

Florida Rural Water Association has had an Apprenticeship Program since January of 2020 and will begin its 3^rd program in January 2022. At this time, I would like to recognize the hard work and dedication to our program that our class of 2020 and 2021 have provided. Their names are as follows:

Class of 2020

Class of 2021

A special thanks goes out to our training staff, Stan Epperly, Jamie Hope, Ben Lewis, Steve Soltau for giving their time and wisdom to train the operators of tomorrow.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, the Apprenticeship Coordinator of the Florida Rural Water Association, call upon our water utilities nationwide to recognize the value of Registered Apprenticeships, and to promote industry awareness and expansion during the seventh anniversary of:

We will be celebrating the 7^th Annual National Apprenticeship Week from November 15, 2021, through November 21, 2021. Join us as we honor our commitment to Registered Apprenticeships and the difference they really make!

IN SUPPORT,

Apprenticeship Coordinator Florida Rural Water Association