WHEREAS, National Apprenticeship Week is celebrating its 10ᵗʰ anniversary of raising awareness of the vital role Registered Apprenticeships provide in creating opportunities by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and preparing a pathway to good, quality jobs and well-paying careers in Chicago, Illinois, and across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Women in Apprenticeship Day increases awareness of the economic opportunity and career growth that apprenticeships can provide to women, and brings attention to the programs that support them, like Chicago Women in Trades; and
WHEREAS, Consolidated Flooring recognizes the urgent need to prepare and maintain an inclusive, diverse, and highly skilled workforce that is capable of meeting the demands of the industry we serve and fortifying our economy; and
WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs enable employers to develop and train their future workforce, creating a crucial pipeline of qualified workers while offering career seekers pathways to family-sustaining jobs and well-paying careers; and
WHEREAS, Consolidated Flooring recognizes the role of Registered Apprenticeship in expanding opportunities in our workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality, thus providing a path for all qualified individuals, particularly women, youth, people of color, rural communities, justice-involved individuals, and individuals with disabilities, to become apprentices and contribute to America’s industries; and
WHEREAS, Consolidated Flooring recognizes that Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, is recognized as a key strategy to improving job quality and creating access to careers that provide economic security for women and others, while addressing some of our nation’s pressing workforce challenges such as rebuilding our country’s infrastructure, addressing critical supply chain demands, supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, and responding to care economy issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michelle Heron-Means, Director, National Engagement and Leadership of Consolidated Flooring, call upon Consolidated Flooring Industry Partners to recognize the value of women in Registered Apprenticeship, and to promote industry awareness and expansion of efforts to address gender equity during the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week by recognizing November 21st as Women in Apprenticeship Day.
IN SUPPORT,
Director, National Engagement and Leadership
Email: mheronmeans@consofloors.com
