The Director’s Chair

AS WE WRITE this for the November edition of the Apprenticely Newsletter, we’re also prepping for our scheduled Apprenticeship Recognition Nights this Tuesday (11/18) in Central Arkansas, and this Thursday (11/20) in Northwest Arkansas. These events are becoming an annual tradition, and they provide an opportunity for our employer partners; for individuals who are or have been apprentices; for our training partners; for our partners at the State of Arkansas; and for other nonprofits who share our workforce mission to gather and celebrate the fine work we’ve done together. Over the past seven years, we at ACDS and now Apprenticely have developed strong and trusted relationships, and this week we want to say “thank you” to all the aforementioned partners. Apprenticely couldn’t make the difference we do if not for all of you.

In offering up a great big “Kudos” to everyone involved, I certainly include our hardworking, dedicated Apprenticely team. One year ago, we were all expressing gratitude for having reached the threshold of 1,000 apprentices. Well, as we again look forward to the upcoming holidays and a few days of rest with family and friends, we’ve now surpassed 2,000 apprentices. So Happy Thanksgiving to all! I, for one, will be giving thanks for your partnership, your friendship, and your support.

–Bill Yoder
Executive Director