JBLM To Host Apprenticeship and College Fair on Thursday

JBLM’s Army Continuing Education System will host a combined Apprenticeship and College Fair Thursday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Stone Education Center on JBLM Lewis Main.

New for this year’s fair will be an opportunity for participants to explore apprenticeship opportunities. Unlike traditional college programs, apprenticeships offer an opportunity to be paid for work performed while learning a new skill, though a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction with preparation to enter a career in the skilled workforce.

Apprentices earn a living wage throughout the education process, with periodic raises to reflect increased experience and commitment.  Once the apprenticeship is completed, workers receive full journey-level wages and possess a trade certification that is recognized internationally.

Representatives from 26 vocational and apprenticeship programs throughout Washington State will be represented, as well as other State Apprenticeship Agencies. Several of the participants will demonstrate their trades for participants during this event. Some of participating representatives/agencies include:

• Washington State’s Building and Construction Trades
• Southwest Washington Pipe Trades
• Cement Masons & Plasterers of Washington
• Washington & Oregon Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship
• Carpenters-Employers Apprenticeship & Training Trust Fund of Washington-Idaho
• Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW)
• Pierce College Workforce Development
• Puget Sound  Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust
• Northwest Laborers-Employers Training Trust Fund
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
• Pierce County Building & Construction Trades Council
• Helmets to Hardhat
• Veterans in Construction & Electrical (VICE)
• Veterans in Piping (VIP)
• WorkSource Thurston and WorkForce Central

More than 80 academic and education organizations will also be represented.
Participation in the combined College & Apprenticeship Fair is open to the entire JBLM community, with a special emphasis on transitioning service members and military veterans.