WHEREAS, 2023 marks the 86th Anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act; and

WHEREAS, National Apprenticeship Week is celebrating its 9th anniversary of raising awareness of the vital role that Registered Apprenticeships play in providing opportunities to the people of Maine by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and preparing a pathway to well-paying careers and the ability to advance in those careers; and

WHEREAS, the advancement and well-being of Maine depends upon its ability to expand opportunities in its workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality in their chosen fields; and

WHEREAS, there are critical and essential job openings in Maine, such as in the healthcare, clean energy, education, manufacturing, and other key sectors, and the growth and expansion of apprenticeship will provide the education required to develop in-demand skills and fill these jobs through its earn-while-you-learn model; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs are uniquely able to meet the changing demands of Maine's economy and provide a path for all qualified individuals, including women, youth, people of color, rural communities, justice-involved individuals and individuals with disabilities, to become apprentices and contribute to America's industries; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine recognizes that Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, can train our workforce and build a pipeline into quality jobs in order to address pressing workforce challenges such as rebuilding our state's infrastructure, addressing critical supply chain demands, supporting a clean energy workforce, and responding to care economy needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of November 13th-19th, 2023 as

National Apprenticeship Week

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty third day of October Two Thousand Twenty Three