National Apprenticeship Week 2022

About National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week is November 14-20, 2022, and FWPS is joining the U.S. Department of Labor in the nationwide celebration to showcase the value of apprenticeships as a viable career pathway for scholars. Apprenticeships are “industry-driven, high-quality pathways where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, individuals can obtain family-sustaining paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.” In other words, you can get paid while learning a high-demand, lucrative skill!

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing the many benefits of apprenticeships and the various courses FWPS scholars can take at their high school to start gaining skills in the trades now! There are many pathways to success, and apprenticeships are a great post-secondary option.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

Individuals who enroll in apprenticeships reap many benefits. The average starting wage after completing an apprenticeship program is $75,000, and the average wage for a journey-level apprentice is over $100,000. On top of that, you’ll also receive full retirement and medical benefits when you begin working! There are several opportunities for growth, leadership, and business ownership as you progress through your career, and you’ll leave the apprenticeship program with no student loan debt!

Benefits of Enrolling in FWPS Trades Courses 

Whether you just want to test out a trades course, or you’ve made up your mind to pursue an apprenticeship, high school scholars can get started on your journey now. Depending on the course, scholars who enroll in FWPS trade courses may receive:

• Free college credit
• Credits in math and science
• CTE credit
• Industry recognized credentials
• Preferred entry to apprenticeship programs

As you start to think about your plans after high school, a career in a skilled trade may be the right fit for you!

FWPS Trades Courses

If you’d like to explore trades now, take a look at some of the programs available by high school that can help you decide your next steps:

Architecture and Construction:

• Carpentry Essentials (TJHS)
• Carpentry Specialist 1-2 (THJS)
• Construction Foundations (TJHS)
• Pre-Apprenticeship Program (FWHS)

Manufacturing:

• Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing (FWHS)
• Advanced Manufacturing (FWHS)
• Cabinet Making and Millwork (TJHS and FWHS)
• Woodworking (TJHS and FWHS)
• AJAC Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship (Truman Campus)

Transportation Distribution and Logistics:

• Automotive Fundamentals (DHS)
• Automotive Technology (DHS)
• Automotive Advanced 1-2 (DHS)

For questions about available trade courses, contact your School Counselor or College and Career Specialist.

Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC):

The Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) serves high school juniors and seniors interested in specialized career and technical learning. PSSC offers 18 programs, from aerospace manufacturing to animation to fashion design to certified nursing assistant and much more. Scholars earn high school and college credits in a hands-on, workplace-oriented environment. PSSC scholars graduate with certifications and job-ready skills—and a jumpstart on further college and career training. This program is currently available at all high schools and tuition is free.

For more information visit www.highlineschools.org/pssc.

New Pre-Apprenticeship Outdoor Learning Courtyard Opens at FWHS!

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re excited to officially open the new Pre-Apprenticeship Program’s outdoor learning courtyard at Federal Way High School. The ribbon cutting on Monday, November 14, from 3-4 p.m. will feature FWPS and FWHS speakers, a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, and pre-apprenticeship demonstrations following the program. Learn more about the event and Pre-Apprenticeship Program at www.fwps.org/PreApprenticeship.

Sources: ApprenticeshipUSA: Apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week