Missouri spotlights statewide push to grow high‑demand career pathways during Apprenticeship Week

Governor Mike Kehoe signed a proclamation designating April 26-May 2 as Apprenticeship Week in Missouri, highlighting the importance of registered apprenticeships for job seekers, employers, and the state's overall economic growth. The designation aims to raise awareness of the critical role apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce and supporting Missouri's long-term prosperity.

"Registered apprenticeships are a proven, industry-driven training model that opens the door to high quality careers by providing a clear pathway for Missourians to build in-demand skills, advance professionally, and secure long-term success in growing fields," said Governor Kehoe. "Across Missouri, thousands of apprentices are building the skills needed to support the state's economy in priority fields such as public safety, agriculture, education, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare."

Missouri aims to strengthen its talent pipeline by increasing access to training and education aligned with rapidly evolving workforce needs. The state has seen an 88 percent increase in active apprentices from fiscal year 2015 to fiscal year 2026, reflecting a strong, sustained commitment to skills-based workforce development.

"Apprenticeships are helping Missouri close critical workforce gaps by expanding access to high-quality training and preparing more individuals for the careers employers need most," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD). "Through structured on-the-job learning, apprentices gain the skills required for in-demand occupations and contribute to building a diverse, highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the needs of employers statewide."

More than 10,900 youth aged 16-24, nearly 1,300 veterans, and over 500 Missourians aged 55 and older are currently participating in registered apprenticeship programs, demonstrating that these pathways offer meaningful opportunities for individuals at every stage of life.

"Employers across various industries are looking for workers who are prepared, confident, and ready to contribute on day one," said Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. "Registered apprenticeships offer exactly that by providing real-world experience, mentorship, and a direct connection to in-demand jobs. Missouri's continued growth in apprenticeship participation shows that this model delivers results for both job seekers and businesses."

MDHEWD marked National Apprenticeship Week with its annual Apprenticeship Missouri Summit April 28 in Sedalia. The event brought together leaders from across the state to explore Missouri's current apprenticeship landscape, examine outcomes connected to the state's labor market, and emphasize the essential role mentorship plays in apprentice success. Attendees also received national updates on apprenticeship initiatives and discussed how the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is shaping the future of registered apprenticeship programs.

During the summit, four Apprenticeship Missouri Awards were presented to honor the contributions of partnering agencies and organizations. Award recipients included:

• John Gaal Apprenticeship Missouri Legacy Award: Patrick Hanneken, Special School District - Hanneken has been a valued partner of the Construction Career Development Initiative and Clayco, which has helped expose and connect thousands of students to careers in construction and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Partner of the Year: National Disability Institute - The National Disability Institute (NDI) has been a key driver in an initiative to support youth with disabilities in accessing apprenticeships in STEM career pathways for two years. NDI has developed informational flyers for youth, produced videos highlighting individuals in STEM career pathways, and is currently working on a pilot project to build connections and expand opportunities for youth through registered apprenticeships in southeast Missouri.
• Provider of the Year: Association of Missouri Electric Cooperative (AMEC) - AMEC has demonstrated its commitment to implementing a solid, apprenticeship program for its linemen. The program has trained over 900 apprentices and continues to grow its list of participating employer partners.
• Employer of the Year: Cox Health - Cox Health is recognized as one of the top 10 employer program sponsors in Missouri, with commendable program management and implementation. To date, Cox Health has more than 350 active apprentices in a range of health-related occupations, including EMT, medical assistant, certified phlebotomist technician, and graduate nursing resident.

To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in Missouri, visit moapprenticeconnect.com and dhewd.mo.gov/workforce-development/apprenticeship-mo.

Photographs from the Apprenticeship Missouri Summit will be available on MDHEWD's Flickr page.