Description

The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and their State Rural Water Affiliates (SRWA) have identified Registered Apprenticeship as the training model for Water and Wastewater System Operations Specialists and has dedicated time and resources to develop an efficient training program so apprentices can, through a systematic program of related instruction and on-the-job learning, become well-qualified.  Apprenticeship Training Coordinators carry out the day-to-day operations of these registered apprenticeship programs which include:

Specific Responsibilities

Apprenticeship Training Coordinators carry out the day-to-day operations of these registered apprenticeship programs which include:

      Ensuring that the Michigan Rural Water Association (MRWA) goals and objectives align with the National Rural Water Association grant deliverables and overall vision of the program

      Following the Registered Apprenticeship Standards of Procedure, Affirmative Action Plan (AAP), Qualifications & Selection Procedures and all related documents

      Serving as a liaison to all parties involved in registered apprenticeship (employers, mentors, instructors, apprentices) communicating all aspects of registered apprenticeship in a way that each participant understands their role

      To maintain a thorough understanding of apprenticeship requirements

      Recruit and promote the apprenticeship program to potential participation employers, primacy agencies, community organizations, and applicants

      Monitoring the training needs of the participating employer and map out learning and development plans for apprentices, analyzing their training progress

      Ensure implementation of Standards of Apprenticeship by all participating employers and delivery of program activities including the on-the-job training and the related instruction

      Research opportunities for enhanced career pathways based on updated workforce planning

      Use the NRWA Apprenticeship Tracking System for all applicants, apprentices, mentors, and instructors and update all records keeping in a timely manner

      Track and monitor all apprentice OJT hours, mentor evaluations, wage progression and RTI through the NRWA ATS keeping all invested parties aware of progression

      Stay apprised of any changes in DOL or State Registration Agency regulation or policies that pertain to registered apprenticeship

      Handle all aspects of Registered Apprenticeship Quality Assurance Assessments and Compliance Reviews conducted by the Regulatory Agency or NRWA

      Develop partnerships with Veterans Education Accreditation Agencies, Workforce Services, and community-based organizations, seeking to create a diverse workforce, especially in accordance with the identified written Affirmative Action Plan 

      Recruitment of Participating Employers and apprentice candidates 

      Possess the ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with a range of both internal and external stakeholders 

      The ability to understand and navigate the Michigan Workforce Service system and Local Workforce Development Boards in seeking funding available to registered apprenticeship program sponsors through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, assisting Participating Employers understand this as well

      Develop youth outreach/promotional material plans and partnerships to engage the next generation to ensure a future talent pipeline

      Provides presentations and assistance to local officials, community groups, and others

      Attends NRWA in-service training sessions

      Writes reports and develops informational articles for dissemination.

      Completes and submits the required reporting as scheduled.

Internal Relationships

The Apprenticeship Coordinator is an employee of the Michigan Rural Water Association. The Apprenticeship Coordinator will report to the MRWA Executive Director. The Apprenticeship Coordinator works closely and communicates with the NRWA Apprenticeship Program Manager to accomplish the requirements of the program.

External Relationships

The Apprenticeship Coordinator has frequent contact with employers, mentors, instructors, apprentices, primacy agencies, community organizations, and apprenticeship applicants. The Apprenticeship Coordinator will develop partnerships with Veterans Education Accreditation Agencies, Workforce Services and community-based organizations, seeking to create a diverse workforce, especially in accordance with the identified written Affirmative Action Plan.

Requirements

Licensing & Education:

      BS in Human Resources, Workforce Administration or Business preferred

      3-5 years’ experience in management of apprenticeship programs or experience working in workforce development or the education, training and skills sector 

      Not-for-Profit Experience is a plus.

      Must have good communication and writing skills.

Travel:

      This position may require frequent travel within the Michigan for the purpose of outreach to prospective employers and apprentices.

      Travel throughout the U.S. for National events (1-2 times per year) is possible