National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide, week-long celebration that highlights the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.  This year, National Apprenticeship Week is being celebrated the week of April 26 – May 2.  Registered Apprenticeships offer pathways for New Yorkers to become highly trained, skilled workers while accessing quality career opportunities.  New York State registered apprenticeships are a fantastic way for employers to create and sustain a highly skilled workforce tailored to the specific needs of their business.  The benefits of sponsoring a registered apprenticeship include:

• Increased efficiency and productivity

• Increased employee retention and attendance

• Improved employer/employee relationships

• A broader, more diverse pool of applicants

• An immediate return on investment

• An improved corporate culture

Registered apprenticeships are compatible in businesses of all shapes and sizes.  From jewelers to piano builders, we have helped businesses implement successful apprenticeships across an incredibly diverse set of industries.  If you are ready to see how sponsoring a registered apprenticeship will help your business thrive, we can make it happen.  To learn more about sponsoring an apprenticeship, please visit our Registered Apprenticeship Webpage.

What happens when the market slows, demand dips, or economic shifts impact your workflow longer than expected?  While these fluctuations aren’t always predictable, your response to them can be.  Retaining experienced staff through lean periods is vital, and that’s where the New York State Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program can make a real difference.  Instead of cutting positions during slower periods, Shared Work allows you to temporarily reduce employee hours (between 20%–60%), while your team members receive a portion of unemployment benefits to help offset lost wages.  With New York State’s maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit now increased to $869, employees have stronger financial support than ever before, making this program even more practical for both businesses and their workforce.

Stay staffed.  Stay ready.  Stay competitive.

Be proactive before business slows down.  Connect with a Shared Work representative today at 518-457-2315 or submit a request through the Get More Information form to learn how the program can support your finance or insurance operation.

Ready to move forward?  Login or create your business’s NY.gov account and complete your Shared Work application.  It's a simple, secure process designed to help you adjust quickly and maintain stability during periods of reduced demand.