With National Apprenticeship Week just around the corner, the DFW Apprenticeship Accelerator on April 20 brought together a strong coalition of employers, workforce leaders, and community partners for a half-day focused on expanding opportunity through apprenticeship.

The event opened with a presentation from Lynn Hoffman, Sr. Manager with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas who walked through the process for employers to establish registered apprenticeship program. This was followed by an insightful presentation from Texas Workforce Commission representative Moneisa Downs, who introduced attendees to ApprenticeshipTexas and potential funding opportunities.

Attendees then heard directly from industry during an engaging employer fireside chat moderated by Brandi Harrison Trotter of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT). The conversation featured Matt Jerlecki from Lippert Components, who shared real-world perspectives on the value and benefits of apprenticeships, ranging from addressing workforce gaps to strengthening employee retention.

The program concluded with an Appendix A demonstration led by Julius Thompson, Business Services Manager with WSNCT, followed by an interactive roundtable discussion that allowed participants to exchange ideas, ask questions, and explore practical next steps.

This event exemplifies the growing momentum behind registered apprenticeships as a proven workforce strategy.

According to Apprenticeship.gov, recent data highlights the powerful impact of these programs:

• Employers report an average 44% return on investment from Registered Apprenticeship programs
• Workers who complete apprenticeships earn approximately $300,000 more over their careers compared to their peers
• 93% of apprentices retain employment after completing their programs

As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, events like the DFW Apprenticeship Accelerator underscore how collaboration can create meaningful pathways to high-quality careers while strengthening the regional economy.