WHEREAS, National Apprenticeship Week is celebrating its 10th 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 good, quality jobs and 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, Registered Apprenticeship programs enable employers to develop and train their future workforce while offering career seekers affordable paths to secure high-paying jobs; 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 Maine's industries; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine recognizes that Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, is a key strategy to improving job quality, and creating access to good-paying, family-sustaining jobs for all, starting with youth and young adults, while addressing pressing workforce challenges such as rebuilding our state's infrastructure, addressing critical supply chain demands, supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, and responding to care economy issues;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of November 17-23, 2024 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 seventh day of November Two Thousand Twenty-Four