QCC Holds Second Annual Apprenticeship Conference

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Quinsigamond Community College hosted its second annual Apprentice Conference on November 15. Employers, government officials, advocates and educators from across the region gathered to learn about implementing an apprenticeship program, as well as current local and national employment trends through breakout session workshops and speakers. Culminating the daylong event, QCC was awarded a proclamation from the state for its work in supporting apprenticeship programs.

“Many of the students at Quinsigamond and in our community struggle to make ends meet. Life sometimes gets in the way of education, but being able to earn a wage while working is going to help them incredibly and keep them engaged. Providing the trained workforce of the future is critical as workforce demands grow. I’m excited because it’s a win-win,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.

Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones spoke at the conference describing how the current state administration is incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion into the framework of all programs, including apprenticeships, and has increased funding to support apprenticeship programs across the state.

“This model allows for anyone, regardless of their background, their past or their neighborhood, to jump into a program,” Jones said.

Jones acknowledged that as a business owner, an apprenticeship program might seem intimidating at first but, it’s imperative to think of innovative ways to find workers.

“Invest in talent and help to provide meaningful wages and industry-recognized credentials. It will lift up your business and also those individuals (in apprenticeships), as well as their families, and in the end our communities,” Jones continued.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Empower, Engage, Endure” and Dean of Workforce Kathie Manning noted that through apprenticeship programs, employers can empower and engage workers who will gain the confidence to contribute and innovate through a long-term career.

Professor and Coordinator of the Manufacturing Technology Program Lee Duerden echoed this sentiment during the workshop on advanced manufacturing. He shared how growing up in Europe, apprenticeships are very common and he witnessed many colleagues stay on with their companies for decades after an apprenticeship.  

"From the QCC perspective, we can relate the theory and connect the dots between education and the reality of the activities you’re doing at these companies. We help local companies recruit, train and retain their workers and we have a variety of courses that can add value to an apprenticeship," Duerden continued.

Workshops at the conference included topics such as funding sources, apprenticeships in union environments and programs in the industries of healthcare and biotech.

According to Director of UpSkill America Haley Glover, who presented at the conference, the timing is right to focus on apprenticeships and while there are 60% more apprenticeships in the country than there were a decade ago, more participation is needed. Glover said because a majority of the country’s workforce is made up of frontline staff and a majority of those workers want to advance in their careers, this is an area of untapped talent. She also mentioned that while automation is replacing certain jobs, people are needed to program that automation.

Other local leaders also in attendance included Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, Executive Vice President of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Karen Pelletier, and Director of Communications for Senator Robyn Kennedy, Giselle Rivera-Flores, to express their support  of apprenticeships and communicate the work they have been doing to promote these types of programs.

Director of Apprentice Expansion Mari Cooney closed out the conference with an optimistic message that resonated with all in attendance.

 "Apprenticeship programs are not just about developing skills. They're about building a strong, resilient workforce and creating opportunities to thrive. They break the barriers and empower individuals to reach their full potential."