One of the keys to building vibrant and prosperous communities in Alabama is providing job opportunities for young people. Jobs that in turn give them the ability to raise families in their own right. The last thing we want to see are those young men and women leaving for jobs in places like Atlanta, Charlotte, or Nashville.
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air is proud to be doing its part by helping some promising young people prepare themselves for a career as an electrician. We are taking part in an apprenticeship program through Apprenticeship Alabama and the U.S. Department of Labor. Right now, 24 electrician apprentices are learning their craft with Dixie. The idea is to provide more Alabama residents with career opportunities through apprenticeships. The goal in Alabama is to add 500,000 skilled workers by the year 2025.
If you’re not familiar with what an apprenticeship is, it is an innovative work-based learning program. These two-dozen apprentices, and others in the program, can earn money while the 8,000-hour program gives them hands-on experience in the electrical field and teaches them life skills as well.
If you read or watch the news headlines, you know about the shortage of skilled workers nationwide. This training will give the apprentices the skills they need to be rewarded with a competitive salary and job security. The demand in the trades industry is so strong these apprenticeships will almost certainly translate into job offers.
During the four-year program, the apprentices will work under and be trained by qualified Dixie electricians. It’s a professional opportunity that comes without the crushing student loan debt of other post-high school educations. Or the stress of trying to go to school while working full time at a minimum wage job.
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air is proud to be part of this great program to provide economic opportunities for our young people. So, in the months ahead you may see some of these young electricians in training, working with our licensed electricians in your home. We hope you will make them feel welcome. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.
