OMAHA – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts joined Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College, the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL), and the US Department of Labor for a signing ceremony recognizing a new Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program for project managers at Habitat’s Omaha ReStore locations.  The program will be offered in coordination with Metropolitan Community College.

“Today’s announcement recognizes Habitat for Humanity’s dedication to provide its teammates with opportunities to advance their skills and careers,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Many companies across the state, in a diverse group of industries, are offering Registered Apprenticeships to connect the next generation to great opportunities and grow their companies through investment in their people.”

Registered Apprenticeships are recognized by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) and involve a mix of on-the-job training and related instruction.  Participants in the Habitat Omaha RA program will complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom learning, and will be mentored by ReStore staff. The apprentices will receive a nationally recognized credential from USDOL upon completion of the program.

"Our Registered Apprenticeship Program provides another opportunity for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha to support Nebraskans in their goals to build strength, stability and independence," said Amanda Brewer, Habitat Omaha Chief Executive Officer. "We see every day in our work to create quality, affordable housing how these outcomes are transformational not just for individuals but for our entire community."

Earlier this year, NDOL received a grant from the USDOL to expand Registered Apprenticeships across the state. The Apprenticeship State Expansion grant covers the next three years and will allow NDOL to assist businesses with new program development. From October 2016 to July 2019, RA program participation grew by over 40 percent.

In 2019 alone, 597 apprentices in Nebraska earned USDOL RA credentials. There are currently over 120 RA programs in Nebraska and 4,710 Registered Apprentices, including nearly 3,000 new apprentices in 2019. 

“Employers are recognizing the many benefits that RA programs bring to their companies, from reducing turnover to closing skill gaps to increasing productivity,” said Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin.  “We will continue to help facilitate these programs in cooperation with a broad spectrum of businesses and educational institutions.”

The next RA signing ceremony will be held at Scottsbluff High School September 5 to launch a new Youth RA program for diesel mechanics.  The program will be conducted in partnership with Western Nebraska Community College and the Southeast Community College John Deere Tech Program.

Companies interested in starting a Registered Apprenticeship program should contact Elliott Cain, elliot.cain@nebraska.gov, or Scott Asmus, scott.asmus@nebraska.gov.  Job seekers interested in participating in a RA should contact their local Nebraska Department of Labor office.  More information is also available on the Department’s YouTube channel and at http://dol.nebraska.gov.