Governor Brad Little has declared April 26 – May 2 as Apprenticeship Week in Idaho, recognizing the important role registered apprenticeships play in building Idaho’s workforce and creating career pathways for students and job seekers. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), the proclamation reflects the College’s continued commitment to workforce-connected education and strong employer partnerships that help meet industry demand.
CWI has supported thousands of apprentices through its Workforce Development program and academic apprenticeship pathways. These programs help students and working professionals gain hands-on training while building long-term careers in Idaho’s high-demand industries.
That work is reflected in CWI Workforce Development apprenticeship programs in Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing. Students earn a paycheck while building skills for long-term careers in the trades. Flexible hybrid and online formats make it easier to balance work, school, and family responsibilities.
For those looking to advance further, CWI also offers the Applied Technology and Apprenticeship Associate of Applied Science degree. Designed for students who have completed or are currently completing a registered apprenticeship, the program combines hands-on industry training with academic coursework and general education credits. Students build both technical knowledge and professional skills that support the path to becoming journey-level trades technicians.
CWI’s apprenticeship opportunities also extend beyond the trades. Through partnerships connected to Micron Technology, students in Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology can apply for Micron’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. The program provides paid, hands-on training in the semiconductor industry, along with tuition coverage, wages, and benefits.
This work, along with apprenticeship efforts across Idaho, was recognized at the state level when Little signed the Apprenticeship Week proclamation on Wednesday, April 29, alongside education and workforce leaders, including CWI, from across the state.
The state has now surpassed 4,000 active registered apprenticeships, and Little announced a goal to double that number to 8,000 by the end of 2029. At CWI, apprenticeship programs play a direct role in that growth, giving Idahoans the opportunity to gain in-demand skills, earn a paycheck, and build long-term careers without taking on significant debt.
“Governor Little’s proclamation speaks to both the need for skilled workers in Idaho and the life-changing impact of apprenticeship for students and their families,” said CWI Associate Vice President of Employer Partnerships and Workforce Development, Trevi Hardy. “At CWI, we take seriously the governor’s challenge to double apprenticeships. We are committed to creating pathways that allow students to earn while they learn, build meaningful careers, and strengthen the communities where they work and live.”
Apprenticeship Week also provides CWI with the opportunity to connect directly with the community and highlight the value of apprenticeship programs in strengthening Idaho’s economy.
CWI’s Workforce Development team participated in the Idaho Department of Labor’s Level Up Your Skills Expo, which highlighted paid apprenticeships and hands-on training opportunities for students, veterans, career changers, and job seekers ready to enter the workforce. Representatives from the College were able to connect with prospective students and employers to continue building partnerships.
At the event, CWI Electrical Apprentice Kyle Odom shared how apprenticeships have allowed him to earn money while learning and begin building his career without delaying entry into the workforce. He also highlighted support from Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation, which helped cover education-related expenses, including the cost of books, making it easier to continue his training.
Odom also recognized his employer, JTS, a Mission Critical Group Company, for providing hands-on experience and a supportive work environment. The company continues to partner with the College through events such as Employer Spotlight and the First-Year Trades Job Fair to connect with apprentices and student job seekers.
Interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities? Learn how CWI Workforce Development programs can help you earn while you learn and build a career in high-demand industries.
