Early last month, the White House welcomed 75 representatives from a cohort of over 200 industry, labor, and community-based organizations as well as educators, employers, and workforce intermediaries to the launch of the Biden-Harris administration’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative. 

EmployIndy was among the participating organizations from across the nation invited to attend the launch event, exhibiting our commitment to strengthening and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship. Registered Apprenticeship is a high-quality,  equitable earn-and-learn model that provides workers with on-the-job learning experience, job-related instruction with a mentor, and a clear pathway to a good-paying job. The programs include a nationally-recognized credential system that helps employers hire a more demographically diverse workforce across 40 in-demand industries.

Dr. Mechelle Polter, Senior Director, Talent Bound, attended the Apprenticeship Ambassador launch, which began with an address by First Lady Jill Biden, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. The remarks were followed by a panel facilitated by Brent Parton, Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, and included various leaders such as Yellow Corp. CEO, Darren Hawkins, and Trident Technical College President, Dr. Mary Thornley.

“The Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative is an excellent opportunity for EmployIndy to continue to develop our apprenticeship offerings,” says Dr. Polter. “As an Apprenticeship Ambassador, we will be able to help even more residents and businesses through apprenticeship experiences that create sustainable career pathways and build diverse talent pipelines.”

The entire cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors will work to help other business, labor, and education leaders launch similar programs throughout the next year. Apprenticeship Ambassadors will also increase the accessibility of Registered Apprenticeship programs for underserved and underrepresented populations, including women, youth, people of color, people with disabilities, and more. 

EmployIndy will use our expertise as an Apprenticeship Ambassador to scale innovative apprenticeship practices, such as those through the Modern Apprenticeship program. As employer demand for highly-skilled talent continues to grow, it is necessary to establish a system of career-connected learning that will create equitable opportunities for all Indianapolis students. EmployIndy's Modern Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs do just that. 

“Not only do apprentices gain sustainable employment with a positive career trajectory, but employers attract, retain, and maintain skilled and diverse talent,” says Dr. Polter. “Our Marion County students benefit from quality, on-the-job learning while our business community thrives with young, skilled talent.” 

To learn more, about the Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative, visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-ambassador-initiative.