Boyd County Schools

Members of the Boyd County FCCLA Chapter were honored at the Commissioner’s Recognition for Excellence in Career and Technical Education after earning top national awards in their STAR events at the 2025 National FCCLA Leadership Conference. The awards were presented on Monday, November 24th in the rotunda of the State Capitol by Governor Jim Pillen and Education Commissioner Dr. Brian Maher. Brooklyn Eckert placed 3rd in Promote and Publicize Level 3 and Gracen Eckert placed 1st in Job Interview Level 2. Their chapter adviser is Sherry Black. Boyd County FCCLA congratulates these outstanding members for their accomplishments and leadership in their schools and communities throughout the year!

Apprenticeships Open Doors for Students, Strengthen Workforces, and Support Communities

Across the country, apprenticeships are gaining momentum as a valuable pathway for people looking to enter the workforce, advance in their careers, or transition into new opportunities. With benefits for students, parents, employers, and educators, apprenticeship programs are becoming a key strategy for preparing the workforce of the future.

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway that allows individuals to gain paid work experience while completing structured classroom instruction. Designed by employers and aligned to industry needs, these programs offer hands-on learning that leads to in-demand skills and nationally recognized credentials.

A Pathway for Students Exploring Career Options

For students unsure about next steps after high school, apprenticeships provide real-world exposure to different careers. Participants can begin earning a salary immediately and often receive college credit or professional certifications along the way.

“Students get to test-drive a career while earning and learning,” said a career counselor at a local high school. “It’s an incredibly practical option for those who want to build skills without taking on student debt.”

Reassurance and Opportunity for Parents

Many parents are increasingly looking for reliable alternatives to traditional four-year college pathways. Apprenticeships offer a structured, supportive environment where learners gain job-ready experience backed by mentors, instructors, and employers.

For families, the “earn while you learn” model provides peace of mind—offering both financial stability and a clear path to long-term employment.

A Customized Talent Pipeline for Employers

Employers benefit significantly from apprenticeship programs by gaining a tailored, high-quality workforce pipeline. By training employees according to their specific needs, businesses often see improved productivity, higher retention, and stronger loyalty from workers.

In fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and skilled trades, apprenticeships are helping address critical talent shortages and providing companies with a competitive edge.

A Valuable Tool for Educators and Schools

Educators are increasingly incorporating apprenticeships into career pathways that combine classroom learning with practical experience. Schools and colleges partner with employers to align curriculum with industry standards, ensuring that what students learn is relevant to today’s job market.

By exposing students to hands-on workforce experiences, educators help them build confidence, technical skills, and a clearer understanding of career possibilities.

Registered Apprenticeships Ensure Quality and Access

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs)—recognized for meeting national quality standards—provide structured training, progressive wages, and industry-recognized credentials upon completion. These programs serve the needs of all stakeholders:

• Students gain paid training and long-term career prospects.
• Parents have assurance that their child is entering a safe, guided, and high-quality career path.
• Employers can cultivate highly skilled workers trained specifically for their organization.
• Educators can connect learning with real-world application and expand opportunities for their students.

A Win for Communities

As apprenticeships continue to expand across multiple industries, they are helping strengthen local economies, support families, and build a resilient workforce. Whether you’re a student seeking direction, a parent exploring options, an employer facing labor shortages, or an educator building career pathways, apprenticeship programs offer meaningful opportunities for growth and success.

Learn More

Please join us for an apprenticeship informational meeting on Tuesday, December 2^nd at 6 pm at the Boyd County High School Band Room in Spencer.  Parents, students, employers and educators are all welcome and encouraged to attend.