Arizona summit highlights push to help more industries add apprentice programs

The Arizona Department of Economic Security held its first Registered Apprenticeship Summit on Thursday in Phoenix.

Joann Bueno, Arizona’s Apprenticeship program director, said that while the BuildItAZ program highlights careers in construction, the broader goal is to help more industries integrate apprentice programs.

She said the summit marked several milestones in expanding awareness of existing programs and creating new ones for what she called a tried-and-true path for people looking to launch their career at any stage.

“We have a lot of individuals graduating with certificates and degrees,” said Bueno. “And yet the barrier for them in finding a job is the fact that jobs require necessary experience. And that is what people are seeing now. That wait – why wait until they graduate to give them the experience? Why not give it to them now?”

Bueno said that communities throughout the state can take advantage of that, especially underrepresented or rural ones.

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“What's great about the apprenticeship program is that it's a job,” she said. “And therefore, these people that are doing hands-on learning are paid to do that.”

Bueno added that those who complete apprenticeship programs are also more likely to pursue further education and career opportunities.

Like electrician Shannon Denetsosie, who graduated from the Western Electrical Contractors Association’s apprenticeship program.

“The entire time I was in that apprenticeship, it boosted my confidence. So now I'm at a position to where I provide for my own family, even as a single mom,” said Denetsosie. “While you’re there in school, you’re paid while you’re in school. So nothing to worry about.”

And she said that graduating from the DES-supported program has opened up doors for her to pursue promotions she wouldn’t have considered for herself before.