National Apprenticeship Week

This week marks the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder, and OOD Director Kevin L. Miller joined together to encourage individuals seeking career opportunities to consider an apprenticeship. Read Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted’s National Apprenticeship Week announcement.

 

The Ohio Vocational Apprentice Program (OVAP) is removing barriers and creating inclusive pathways to state government employment for students and adults with disabilities.

OVAP supports Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Executive Order 2019-03D, which established Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and a Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. Through this program, students and adults with disabilities who are eligible for OOD services gain valuable work experience, exposure, and access to state government employment through paid apprenticeships with state agencies. The goal of this program is for apprentices to secure permanent employment in state government upon completion of the apprenticeship.

OOD partners with State of Ohio agencies, boards, commissions, the Ohio General Assembly, and statewide elected offices to identify their workforce needs and develop apprenticeship opportunities that align with the job and educational goals of OOD-eligible participants. OOD assists participants in applying and interviewing for the apprenticeship and completing the onboarding process. OOD also will provide any needed on-the-job supports and can be a resource for workplace accessibility consultations and reasonable accommodations.

 

OOD funds all wages for the apprenticeship, up to $16.50 per hour, 25 hours per week for a maximum of 1,000 hours. To date, OVAP has helped a total of 97 apprentices gain experience at 32 agencies, boards, commissions, the Ohio General Assembly, and statewide elected offices. A total of 32 apprentices have been hired into permanent employment in state, federal, or county government.

For more information, contact OVAP Program Administrator Jon Hackathorn at jon.hackathorn@ood.ohio.gov or 614-306-1744. If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.