Youth Apprenticeship Program Presentation

The skilled trades workforce is changing — and the next generation of talent needs a clear path forward.

Across construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and other skilled trades, employers are facing a growing workforce gap. Even though interest in trades and apprenticeships is increasing, the current pipeline is not large enough to keep pace with retirements, labor-force exits, occupational transfers, and industry growth. National projections show hundreds of thousands of annual openings in skilled-trade-related occupations, while apprenticeship completion numbers remain far below the level needed to fully replenish the workforce.

That makes youth apprenticeships, career exposure, employer-led training, and school-business partnerships essential — not optional — to building a sustainable future workforce.

The South Kent Chamber, together with RoMan Manufacturing, Kelloggsville Public Schools, and West Michigan Works!, invites manufacturers, skilled trades companies, educators, and workforce partners to join us for an “Ask and Learn” forum focused on how to implement a youth apprenticeship program and who to work with to make it happen.

This event will highlight the cohort apprenticeship program launched this year at RoMan Manufacturing, where junior and senior students from Kelloggsville High School are gaining hands-on experience in the manufacturing process while earning their Level 1 Manufacturing Certification and completing the required class credits needed to graduate.

Attendees will hear directly from the partners involved, learn how the program was developed, and have the opportunity to ask practical questions about what it takes to create a similar pathway within their own business, school, or community.

Whether you are an employer looking for long-term talent solutions, an educator seeking meaningful career pathways for students, or a community partner invested in workforce development, this conversation is designed to help move ideas into action.

Join us to learn how youth apprenticeship programs can strengthen our local talent pipeline, support students, and help employers build the workforce they need for the future.