SKOWHEGAN, Maine — Two graduating seniors from Somerset Career & Technical Center in Skowhegan are getting a jump start on working in the trades.
Anthony Alberico and Trenton Huff signed an intent to complete a certified pre-apprenticeship with Sappi North America and Somerset Career & Technical Center.
The week-long pre-apprenticeship program will give the two young men paid, on-the-job training for careers as electrical and instrumentation technicians. They will also receive Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA-10, certifications after completing the program, putting them one step closer to meeting the requirements for their journeyman and trade-work careers.
State leaders like Laura Fortman, the commissioner for the Maine Department of Labor, said getting young people interested in trade careers early helps stabilize Maine's aging workforce.
Fortman said the pre-apprenticeship program offers apprentices instant gratification, allowing them to gain experience and earn decent wages as they work to solidify their careers.
"That is what's exciting, to make sure that young people know that there are opportunities right here and to know that you can get the training that you need for a high-wage, in-demand career in Maine," Fortman said.
Huff, who has completed apprenticeship programs before signing the intent to complete the pre-apprenticeship program with Sappi, said he's excited and thankful for the opportunities the pre-apprenticeship program will provide.
"I mean, I've gotten now 3,500 hours and I'm halfway to getting my journeyman," Huff said. "And I still have a bunch of years ahead of me."
After the pre-apprenticeship program, the participants will still need to complete a full program. Representatives from Sappi said those who successfully complete the program will be guaranteed an interview with the company's electrical and instrumentation technician's apprenticeship program.